By Bratin Khan
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Rooted in Nature, Bratin Khan’s art feels both personal and poetic. His first solo exhibition, Mirror of Vision, at Kalakriti Art Gallery in Hyderabad, is autobiographical — born out of dreams, memories, and lived experiences gathered over the years.
“The characters in my works are not mythical,” says the Kolkata-based artist. “They emerge from my dreams and visions.” He gestures towards a 4×4-foot canvas titled Voyage, depicting a serene boat ride — a reflection of his own journeys during his school days in the 1980s. “The River Atrai, which flows near our village Chakvigru in Dakshin Dinajpur, was like a guardian. We cried before it when we experienced loss, and we paid tribute to it when we achieved something.”
By Bratin Khan
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
The exhibition features 26 paintings rendered in the tempera style — a traditional technique in which pigments are mixed with a water-soluble binder. Through this method, Bratin creates luminous, layered works that open a window to his inner world. His canvases celebrate life and positivity, depicting vibrant scenes of flora and fauna — lotus and lily ponds, leaves, flowers, and human figures adorned with delicate jewellery and a gentle radiance.
“My canvases emerge from myriad experiences,” he says. “Many are drawn from moments in my childhood — the light, the river, the rhythm of rural life — all of which continue to find their way back into my art.”
Inspired by music
Bratin Khan
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
As Bratin walks us through the exhibition, he speaks fondly of his fascination with childhood landscapes and music. He recalls the twilight hours and the “distinct smell of cool air” before dawn. “There’s a different melody to that hour,” he says. “It’s when unique ragas like Miyan ki Malhar and Aahir Bhairav were created.” A singer himself, Bratin often draws inspiration from the rhythms and moods of music.
Interestingly, his artistic journey began not with painting but with sculpture. As a student at Visva Bharati University in Santiniketan, he held his first show — a sold-out exhibition that allowed him to become financially independent. “I sold my paintings and sculptures to manage my expenses,” he recalls.
By Bratin Khan
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
When mould appeared on one of his early paintings, Bratin sought guidance from Mrittunjay Goswam, a disciple of the Abanindranath School of Painting. From there, he learnt the wash technique and gradually developed his own tempera method, combining it with the miniature painting traditions that continue to influence his style.
Each of Bratin’s works is meticulously composed rather than spontaneous. “Nothing is by accident on my canvas,” he explains. “Every brushstroke is deliberate — layered to build tone, depth, and atmosphere.”
By Bratin Khan
A believer in spirituality, Bratin insists his paintings are not mythological illustrations but emotional reflections. “The ornate jewels represent happiness,” he says with a smile. “I want my art to feel positive — to help you dream, to remind you that beauty can still be gentle.”
Bratin Khan’s solo show, Mirror of Vision, is on at Kalakriti Art Gallery till November 9
Published – October 15, 2025 03:08 pm IST
