Harshavardhan Reimagines Indian Mythology Through Digital Art
Harshavardhan, a Bangalore-based digital artist with roots in Odisha, blends Indian mythology with graphic novel aesthetics, cinematic framing, and folk influences. Despite an engineering background and career as a software developer, he pursued art through personal experiments, transitioning to digital painting in 2017 after discovering a Wacom tablet. His practice deepened during the pandemic, leading to the 'artofharsha' portfolio. Inspired by Pattachitra palettes, temple architecture, rituals, and inherited stories, his works reimagine mythological figures like Rama, Sita, and Shiva with emotional depth and humanity, focusing on their humor, rage, compassion, and contradictions. His illustrations aim to make mythology relatable to younger audiences while preserving cultural heritage. Featured in Creative Gaga's Issue 71, his artworks include 'Janaki Ram,' 'Natesha,' and 'Gaja Samhara Krittivāsa,' each blending timeless themes with contemporary visual language.
Key facts
- Harshavardhan is a Bangalore-based digital artist with roots in Odisha.
- He pursued engineering and worked as a software developer before focusing on art.
- His digital art journey began in 2017 after discovering digital painting through a Wacom tablet.
- During the pandemic, he spent more time creating and developed his visual language.
- His works blend mythology with graphic novel aesthetics, cinematic framing, and folk influences.
- Inspirations include Pattachitra palettes, temple architecture, rituals, and festivals.
- His artworks include 'Janaki Ram,' 'Natesha,' and 'Gaja Samhara Krittivāsa.'
- He focuses on the humanity of mythological figures, including their humor, rage, and compassion.
Entities
Artists
- Harshavardhan
Institutions
- Creative Gaga
Locations
- Bangalore
- India
- Odisha