Sohan Jakhar is a contemporary Indian artist whose visually rich works explore the complex visual dynamics and shifting identities of India's urban and semi-urban landscapes. He draws heavy inspiration from roadside bazaars, capturing the energetic chaos, sounds, and gestures of street vendors who dominate the busy city terrain.
Through his art, Sohan examines the fascinating coexistence of ancient traditions and rapid technological growth in modern India. His unique creative process bridges these two worlds. He starts by taking photographs of bustling market stalls, which he then digitally alters before painting them onto canvas. Innovatively applying a technique typically reserved for filmmaking, he rotoscopes live-action elements and composites them over a matte backdrop.
His paintings feature a simplistic approach layered with vibrant, distinct colors that create a subtle sense of theater. To connect his present surroundings with his ancestral roots, he incorporates decorative, floating background motifs inspired by the traditional wall frescoes found on the historic Havelis of Shekhavati. By juxtaposing these historic elements against modern, consumerist street scenes, Jakhar highlights a culture in a permanent state of transition, beautifully portraying the paradox between timeless heritage and modern technology.
