Jyoti Swaroop

Jyoti Swaroop

As one of the trailblazers of Modern art in Rajasthan, Jyoti Swaroop worked in an international style at a time when few others were, revolutionising traditional styles that were dominated by folk and miniature art.

Born in Jodhpur in 1939 into a family of modest means, Jyoti Swaroop showed an unusual interest in art at an early age, frequently visiting artists' studios and reading books on art & literature. Entirely self-taught, in 1961 Swaroop received his first state award from the Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi (RKLA) for his painting, Inner Jungle, and his works were subsequently exhibited in Delhi by the RKLA. Swaroop went on to hold numerous exhibitions and was the recipient of numerous awards such as the Junior Research Fellowship from the Government of India.

Swaroop's work, ever experimental and avant-garde, went through several evolutions. Dark and often subdued in colour, his early style featured abstract and semi-figurative forms in watercolour, pencil, crayon, charcoal, as well as mixed media. He later progressed to more detailed forms and an expanded colour palette, with his expressionistic use of colour becoming a hallmark of Swaroop's style. In 1980, however, Swaroop returned to his earlier style where he again restricted his form and technique, employing a unique spray technique in acrylic.

The artist also experimented with ceramics and murals which were commissioned by various government and private organisations such as the Rajasthan Pavillion at the International Trade Fair and E.S.I Hospital Building.

Throughout his life, Swaroop exhibited his works around India and the USA. In 1986, the artist was bestowed with RLKA’s highest honour: a Fellowship (Kalavid) for his contribution to the field of art. Swaroop passed away in 2009, but his legacy ensues.