Mystical Moments at Lalit Kala Akademi

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

Pratiksha Apurv, one of India’s most renowned contemporary artists, is exhibiting Mystical Moments, a series of spiritually-inspired artworks at Lalit Kala Akademi. The exhibition, inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on March 15, will remain open until March 24.

This art show explores a wide array of themes through lyrical expression, blending knowledge, meditation, and traditional Indian sanskars into each painting.

Spiritual and Meditative Themes in Mystical Moments

Each work narrates the journey of a seeker’s life, reflecting eternal truths from Indian spiritual and mystical traditions and the science of meditation. The paintings evoke concepts such as:

• Awareness
• Timelessness
• Living in the Moment
• Devotion and Yoga
• Tantra and Hypnotism
• Consciousness and Liberation
• Healing through Colours

Pratiksha describes her works as “the alphabet of love,” sharing the fragrance of meditation through her art.

Tantra Series: Eternal Orgasm, Mahamudra, and Synchronicity

A set of three Tantra paintings — Eternal Orgasm, Mahamudra, and Synchronicity — depicts the inner journey of sexual energy that transcends the mind. These works explore profound spiritual experiences through the lens of energy and consciousness.

Beyond Senses: Exploring the Inner World

Her oil-on-canvas work Beyond Senses focuses on the awakening of the sixth sense (third eye). Pratiksha explains:

“By closing our five physical senses, we open the third eye, taking an inward journey. This painting captures the balance between inner and outer worlds without destroying the physical senses.”

Her art draws inspiration from her uncle Osho Rajneesh, and her years spent at Osho Ashram in Pune and Oregon.

Splendour of Compassion and Buddhist Inspirations

Paintings like Splendour of Compassion depict Avalokiteshwara, highlighting the essence of karuna (compassion) in Buddhism. Pratiksha incorporates teachings from Mahayana Sutras, focusing on kindness, meditation, and spiritual awakening.

Art as Meditation: Experiential Creativity

Pratiksha treats painting as a meditative process. She explains:

“Holding the brush is liberating; it decodes hidden treasures. I don’t paint for technicality but for spiritual expression.”

Her works include themes on:

• Seven energy centers
• Devotion of Meera
• Wisdom of Buddha
• Truthfulness of Nanak
• Divinity of Kabir and Krishna
• Vision of Sufi mystics, yoga guru Patanjali, and the concept of shunya (void)

Celebrating Women Mystics

The exhibition also honors women mystics often overlooked in history, portraying sages like Rabia, Mallibai, Dayabai, and Sahjo — showcasing love, divinity, and spiritual wisdom through her art.

About Pratiksha Apurv

Born in Gadarwara, Madhya Pradesh, Pratiksha embraced sanyas at age 11 after visiting Osho’s commune in Pune. Initially a fashion designer, she shifted to fine art in 2004, dedicating herself to painting full-time. She works eight hours daily, producing deeply spiritual and experiential art.

Pratiksha has held 11 solo exhibitions across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Baroda, and Chandigarh. Notably, 10 of her Divine Art paintings were exhibited under “Soul of Asia” at the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2013 in Goa, and in 2016, her works were showcased at Rashtrapati Bhawan Museum for their embodiment of “true Indianness.”

Call to Action:
Visit Mystical Moments by Pratiksha Apurv at Lalit Kala Akademi to experience an immersive journey into Indian spirituality, meditation, and mystical traditions through contemporary art.