ABOUT H.R.DAS
Bulls
Born in 1972 in Itla, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, H. R. Das grew up in a family with a strong interest in the arts. Although he initially pursued science and completed his B.Sc. from the University of Burdwan, his inclination towards art led him to follow a different path. He went on to earn a B.F.A. from Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh, Chhattisgarh, followed by an M.F.A. from Karnataka State Open University, Mysore.
During his years in Khairagarh, Das often sketched farm animals in the open fields. This early connection with rural life and cattle became a lasting influence on his artistic practice. After moving to Mumbai in 2006, he worked as a muralist for an interior design firm before pursuing art full-time.
Das is best known for his expressive paintings of bulls, cows and oxen. Drawing inspiration from village life and Hindu mythology, he often portrays the bull as Nandi, the sacred companion of Lord Shiva. His animals are powerful yet graceful, carrying a strong sense of pride, energy and emotion. They seem to possess human-like personalities, expressing joy, anger, vulnerability and freedom.
An important feature of Das’s work is his treatment of the background. Rather than using it as a mere setting, he creates intricate, tapestry-like compositions with patterns, vibrant colours and subtle lines. These detailed backdrops add depth and movement while bringing greater focus to the central figures. He has also explored his subjects through sculpture.
Over the years, Das has held several exhibitions across India, including Nandi at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai (2012), The Bulls at Gallery Splash, Gurgaon (2016), The Magnificent Bull at Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi (2016), Love n Affection at ICA Gallery, Jaipur (2017), Paradise Lost at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai (2019), and The Majestic Symphony at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai (2023). His other exhibitions include shows at Nehru Centre Art Gallery, Bajaj Art Gallery, Art Entrance and Suchitrra Art Gallery in Mumbai.
His work has received recognition through awards such as the AIFACS Painting Award (2010), the Merit Award from Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation (2017), and painting awards from The Art Society of India and Bombay Art Society (2009).
Through his distinctive portrayal of cattle, H. R. Das transforms a familiar part of Indian rural life into a compelling celebration of strength, character and color.
