Raghu Vyas

Raghu Vyas is a self-taught Indian artist whose creative roots lie in Basholi, a historic center of Pahari miniature painting. Deeply influenced by the cultural memory and visual traditions of his native region, he has developed an independent artistic language grounded in thematic and narrative exploration.

Working primarily in series, Vyas’s practice has evolved from lyrical beginnings to works engaging with spiritual, philosophical, and historical themes. While his subjects remain largely indigenous, his visual vocabulary draws from Western compositional structures and painterly techniques, resulting in a fluid and eclectic body of work. His notable series include A Journey Down the Ganga, centered on Benares, along with works inspired by Hindu deities, Buddha, Krishna, and historical figures such as Chanakya and Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Venus series explores feminine beauty through a synthesis of Indian and classical European traditions.

Vyas maintains a consistently realist style, characterized by richly detailed and dramatic compositions. His work transcends fixed cultural or historical frameworks, creating contemplative spaces where

memory, mythology, and imagination converge. 

He has held 26 solo exhibitions across India, the UK, and Canada, and has participated in numerous group exhibitions internationally. His work has been shown at major institutions and cultural platforms, including India Habitat Centre and ICCR-sponsored international exhibitions. Vyas is a recipient of the

Jamini Roy Award and the Senior Fellowship from the Government of India.

His works are held in prominent public and private collections, including the National Gallery of Modern Art (New Delhi), Lalit Kala Akademi, and Rashtrapati Bhavan. In addition to his studio practice, his work has been featured in leading publications and a documentary film produced by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.