Maa Durga 2. 90X90 cm. Acrylic on canvas. Print

Myself Rounak Rai and Artist from India. Born in 1987 in Karera, Madhya Pradesh, Raunak Rai is an accomplished Indian artist. He completed his early education at Navodaya Vidyalaya and earned his MFA in Painting from the College of Fine Arts, Gwalior. He later refined his skills under the mentorship of Yusuf sir at Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal. Over his career, he has held 8 solo exhibitions and participated in over 50 group shows across India and abroad. Initially rooted in figurative art, Raunak’s early work focused on Indian mythologies, creating extensive series based on the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Shiva Purana, Vishnu Purana, and Devi Purana. He is particularly drawn to powerful female figures like Kali and Durga, depicting them as leaders of society. Alongside mythological themes, he addressed social issues such as women empowerment, environmental conservation, and religious awareness through his art. His fascination with human forms, especially female figures, is evident in his expressive portraits, full-body figures, and nudes, blending memory, innovation, and deep concepts. His bold series "Sex & Crime" reflects his commitment to highlighting taboo social issues, aiming to inspire dialogue for a more balanced and aware society. His early figures also exhibit the simplicity and charm of Indian folk and tribal art with a childlike innocence and comic timing. Over time, Raunak transitioned towards abstraction, especially through his exploration of Tantric art. Traditional folk motifs, lines, dots, and textures gradually began to dominate his works. His recent deep engagement with Bhairavi Tantra has earned him international acclaim, with his latest series exhibited in Italy and Germany. Beyond painting, Raunak is a passionate poet and author, having written four books during the COVID lockdown—two focusing on social awareness and two explaining Bhairavi Tantra in simple language. He currently works primarily in acrylic.