Miniature art works with a religious touch

Jaipur-based artist Ajay Garg is no stranger to Mumbai. Having exhibited his works in the city in the past, the talented artist is back with his latest collection of Rajasthani miniature paintings.
The works, done in a traditional miniature style, feature Lord Ganesha, Krishna, Shrinathji and other religious figures. During the exhibition, Ajay will also demonstrate painting techniques to visitors.
While Garg lost his hearing at an early age, he never lost his zest for art. He accepted this challenge head on and diverted his mind by making sketches. Soon, his talent was recognised by an artist, who took Ajay under his wings and convinced his parents that the little boy had great untapped talent.
At the age of just 10, Ajay’s artistic skills could give an adult a run for their money. Two years later, he moved to Jaipur and was introduced to miniature art. Finding it difficult to meet his daily expenses, Ajay learned all about tailoring and opened his own shop. But he couldn’t suppress his artistic urges and returned to painting full time.
A miniature art work can at times be as small as just four to five inches and is filled with a plethora of details. Some of its details are so minute that they are done with a single hair brush with the help of a magnifying glass. Garg says he creates each of his works partly through his own imagination and partly after being inspired from art history books that depict ancient rural life, elephant riding, the Mughal era, etc.
Hindu gods also make an appearance in his works. Lord Ganesha in different poses, Lord Krishna in different moods and Lord Shiva — all form a part of Ajay’s works.
He uses paper that is at times as old as the event he depicts in his works. Using 50 to 100-year-old hand made paper, he primes each one with a coating of white khadiya powder using special gum. He also prepares his brushes from squirrel hair and uses colours from minerals and vegetables. Grinding whole minerals into powder and adding gum Arabic gives him a permanent pigment. After this, Ajay outlines the basic sketch and starts colouring and ends with the expression, ornaments and gold work.
Apart from miniature paintings, Ajay also does fine miniature figures on kernel of rice and almonds. With over 30 solo and group shows in India and across the globe, Ajay is also actively involved in the welfare of the deaf community.
Recent works by Ajay Garg can be viewed at Jehangir Art Gallery, AC - III, 161-B, M G Road, Kala Ghoda, from August 4 to 10, 11 am to 7 pm.