(February 18, 2025) Crooked walls, deteriorating frescoes found in old temples, palaces and heritage sites fascinates Ram Dongre. To his mind, they carry the weight of history, whispering stories of a time gone by. The way these artworks fade, yet persist, mirrors his artistic approach — where fragmented and layered colours symbolise memories slipping away but never truly lost.
“Through my work, I try to capture this essence, blending the old with the new, preserving the spirit of the past in a contemporary visual language,” says renowned painter Ram Dongre, in a chat with Global Indian.
Bringing Indian Mythology to the Global Stage
Ram Dongre recently marked his debut on the international art stage, as his large-scale paintings inspired by Indian mythology and frescoes were exhibited at the 37th London Art Fair in a group exhibition curated by international curator Virginia Damtsa as part of the Platform section. “It’s a significant milestone in my artistic journey. Each piece is a conversation between the past and the present, an attempt to preserve the essence of heritage in a rapidly changing world,” smiles the painter, whose work was appreciated by global audience.
View this post on Instagram
The fair allowed him to engage with collectors, curators, and fellow artists from different parts of the world, enriching his perspective and inspiring new creative directions. “This opportunity not only broadened my exposure but also reinforced my belief in the universality of artistic expression.”
His art work, says Ram, evolves organically, shaped by his observations, experiences, and emotions. “My art is a tapestry of fragmented and layered colours, reflecting the vibrancy of Indian history and culture, elements that are gradually fading from collective memory,” he elaborates.
Through his textured canvases, inspired by ancient frescoes and miniature art, Ram brings mythological stories to life in a modern style that speaks to audiences worldwide. His work preserves the essence of India’s storytelling tradition, allowing people across cultures to connect with its rich symbolism—not as distant legends, but as timeless narratives that still hold meaning today.
A Conversation Between the Past and Present
Ram’s intriguing technique blends traditional elements of canvas and oil paints and references to Indian myths and legends with a lifelong interest in nature inspired by the tranquility of the rural landscapes where he has spent most of his life. “My work may carry the essence of Indian mythology, but it is more about portraying nature, humans, and objects as deities or divine forms,” he explains.
The colours, says Ram, are more than just pigments, they represent the pulse of identities, traditions, and stories that were once deeply ingrained in our lives. “Through my work, I strive to revive these lost experiences and emotions, bringing them back into contemporary consciousness.”
In works like ‘Shesh Avshesh,’ he examines cultural elements that have faded over time, evoking nostalgia and sparking speculation about what once was.
The Art of Layered Memories
Ram’s inspiration stems from the rich tapestry of Indian history and culture, intertwined with the abstract forms of nature. “I see nature as more than just a visual element. It is a language, a storyteller that establishes relationships and evokes conversations.”
Antique frescoes and murals at Bhimbetka, Ajanta, Altamira and Lascaux provide a historical record of past rituals, and these provide Ram with the inspiration for his contemporary reimaginings of ancient Indian art. “Frescoes and murals in India are not just artistic techniques for me, they serve as aesthetic references that deeply influence my work,” he says.
Reviving Lost Narratives Through Color and Form
The fluidity of organic shapes, the rhythm of landscapes, and the symbolic depth of traditional motifs all find their way into Ram’s work. Through this synthesis, he explores the connection between the past and the present, the tangible and the spiritual. “My art becomes a space where history breathes through nature’s abstraction, creating a dialogue that resonates beyond time.”
For Ram, the aged, weathered surfaces of ancient walls, the faded pigments, and the cracks that time has etched into them hold a unique beauty and narrative. “These elements inspire my exploration of texture, colour, and form.”
The broken, textured surfaces in his paintings symbolise the passage of time, while the interplay of color and form evokes a sense of nostalgia and rediscovery.
Mythology Beyond the Divine
Ram Dongre believes Indian mythology is not just about divine beings. “It reflects the human experience, with its triumphs, struggles, and connections to the earth and beyond,” says the artist.
For him, Indian mythology is a beautiful fusion of emotions, nature, and aesthetics. “It’s a complex tapestry where gods, heroes, and cosmic forces intertwine with the natural world, creating a rich narrative that resonates on a deeply spiritual level.”
Following in His Father’s Footsteps
“My passion for painting has been with me for as long as I can remember—as soon as I began to understand the world around me,” informs Ram, who was born in Madhya Pradesh and studied painting followed by a Masters from Kala Sangit Vishwavidyalaya in Chattisgarh.
His father, Babulal Dongre, a passionate painter himself, played a pivotal role in shaping my artistic journey. “From an early age, I watched him create, absorbing his dedication and the way he breathed life into forms,” recalls Ram.
He not only introduced Ram to the world of art but also guided him through its nuances—teaching him me how to observe, refine, and express. “His influence turned painting from mere practice into a deep, lifelong pursuit, shaping the way I see and interpret the world through my work,” he says.
Inspired by his surroundings and childhood, Ram mastered naturalistic depictions of Hindu gods before formal training in fine arts expanded his approach. Exploring the malleability of symbols, he began creating mythological visages blending puranic tales, flora, fauna and miniature traditions. Growing up in Chattisgarh, his art incorporate elements reminiscent of ‘Dokra’ figurines, evident in sinewy limbs with bold shapes and colours.
The Rhythm of Multiple Canvases
Each day, Ram dedicates himself to painting, as it the keeps him motivated and engaged. “I work on multiple canvases simultaneously, especially because I primarily use oil paints, which require time to dry between layers,” says Ram pointing out that this allows him to constantly shift between works, refining details, exploring new compositions, and maintaining a fresh perspective.
View this post on Instagram
So what’s coming next? “I am preparing for a solo show where I will be showcasing my recent sculptures. It’s an exciting step forward, and I look forward to sharing these new pieces with the audience,” informs Ram, who also showcased his work at the India Art Fair in New Delhi recently.
The Fluidity of Terracotta
Ram also expanded his visual practice into sculptural installations, using terracotta to bring his digital compositions to life. Rooted in ancient civilisations like the Indus Valley and vital in Madhya Pradesh’s tribal traditions of votive figurines, terracotta inspires Ram’s intricate, ornamental sculptures. These works echo the layered complexity of his paintings while exploring the transient nature of clay, mirroring life and human consciousness in constant flux.
A Cinematic Approach to Creativity
Apart from art, Ram has a deep passion for exploring cinema and the richness of Indian culture.
Cinema, for him, is another form of storytelling that captures emotions, history, and the human experience in a unique way. “It allows me to dive into different narratives, perspectives, and visual expressions, which often inspire my own work “ he says, adding India’s culture, with its diverse traditions, stories, and art forms, is also a constant source of fascination for him.
Finding Inspiration in the Natural World
A morning person, Ram’s day begins early with a walk in nature, a ritual that fuels his creativity.
“Observing the changing light, textures, and rhythms of the natural world helps me connect with my surroundings and find new inspirations.”
Exploring these elements broadens his creative horizons and enhances his understanding of the world around him. “As an artist, my passion is the core of my personality. It defines who I am, driving me to constantly explore, create, and express myself,” he says.
Ram’s dedication to art shapes his worldview, allowing him to find meaning and connection in the simplest of things, whether it’s nature, history, or the people around him.
For Ram Dongre, Indian mythology is more than just a theme—it connects the past with the present, blending tradition with modern expression. Inspired by the murals of Ajanta, Bhimbetka, and other ancient sites, he reimagines mythological stories with layered textures and vibrant colors. His paintings bring together gods, nature, and human figures, introducing global audiences to the rich world of Indian mythology. More than just depicting these tales, his art keeps them alive, ensuring India’s storytelling heritage continues to inspire beyond its borders.
- Follow Ram Dongre on Instagram
