Bull as metaphor, artist re-interprets its modern, mythical forms

In Indian mythology, the bull is a deeply symbolic and culturally significant figure — not just an animal, but a powerful metaphor for strength, fertility, loyalty and as a cosmic gatekeeper. The most significant example of this is Nandi, which has often become a central subject for many artists. Nandi is usually carved from stone or cast in bronze, often serene, calm and meditative — a literal embodiment of Dharma.

Hari Ram Das, a Mumbai-based artist, re-interprets the bull as a modern and mythical creature, expressive, joyful and even dancing. His latest series on bulls form the central artwork at the Five Rivers Art Gallery’s opening exhibition that features works by eminent artists, including Das. The inaugural exhibition, “Awakenings", presents a curated collection featuring some of India’s most distinguished artists, including the celebrated Hari Ram Das, alongside Jyoti Hattarki, Debjani Datta, Amol Pawar, Anirban Seth, Babu Xavier, and many more. Bringing together 28 eminent voices, the show embodies the spirit of renewal, imagination and cultural dialogue.

With this launch, founders and art patrons, Manjyot and Praneet Bubber, are not only introducing a new cultural destination but also giving back to Amritsar by creating a space that promotes art and artists, both Indian and international, for audiences across the region.

The gallery opened an exciting and immersive art space, envisioned as a hub where collectors, connoisseurs and the public can engage with

powerful contemporary practices. Art from across India and the world will find a home here, expanding the city’s cultural horizons.

Hari Ram Das was present for the inauguration and shared his passion for art and for slow, rural life. “I was born in Bardhaman, pursued art from Chhattisgarh and enjoyed the human-animal experience that rural Indian life fortunately offers. After moving to Mumbai, I realised how urban structures decreased this beautiful bond and wanted to express this concern through animal motifs and mythological symbolic works. In this particular series, I painted bulls but I spent hours observing them, capturing the change in stances, expressions and other details before I executed this interpretation on canvas," he said. His execution, sense of colour and emotional tone receive consistent praise, especially the use of vibrant background colours. In this series, Das hooks or overwhelms the audience with sharp, red background composition.

“Easy is very challenging in terms of execution on canvas. So, getting the background colour right took days and seven layers of colour to finally get it right," he said. While most of his works have evoked a common reactions from art critics — that his backgrounds are like a dramatic stage where the main subjects (animal figurines) aesthetically find form — one look at his works displayed would put this in perspective.

Das said that the response from Amritsar in terms of art appreciation and support has been tremendous. “In a world where art spaces are closing down and artists’ platforms remain limited to just studio set-ups, to have a space dedicated to not just art but also intimate and immersive experience between artist and their audience is wonderful. I hope to continue this exchange."

For Praneet Bubber, “Awakenings" is a natural extension of her architectural and philanthropic journey – a culmination of two decades of creating spaces that inspire and uplift. An acclaimed architect and founder of Phulkari-Women of Amritsar, with Five River Art Gallery, both Praneet and Manjyot aim to create a space that nurtures not only artistic appreciation but also positions art as a meaningful and valuable investment for collectors and patrons alike. “As Amritsar’s first commercial art gallery, created to bring exceptional contemporary art to the city, we aim to showcase distinguished artists from across India and around the world, providing a vibrant space for art appreciation, learning and dialogue. But before that, we want to be a medium of art education. Indian art scene is expanding and as it goes global, this exhibition marks more than the unveiling of extraordinary art-it signals the beginning of a new cultural chapter for Amritsar. Not just expanding the city’s cultural horizons but also its scope," said Praneet.

(Awakenings will be on view from October 6 to November 16, 2025, at Five River Art Gallery, 3rd Floor, Mukut House, Mall Road, Amritsar)

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Amritsar