Hardev Chauhan
Hardev Chauhan is a visual artist whose work explores the intersections of agriculture, industry, and society, emphasizing the profound impact of natural resources on human life. His practice is rooted in in-depth research on agricultural processes, materials, and their influence on related industries such as textiles and tailoring—both of which he has personally engaged with as a former farmer and tailor. Through his paintings, Chauhan examines subjects like cotton, wheat, maize, and groundnuts, tracing their transformation from raw material to finished product and revealing their broader social and economic implications.
A key focus of his work is cotton’s journey—from seed to thread to fabric—capturing both the beauty of its production and its often-overlooked impact on labor, industry, and commerce. Inspired by the intricate movements of insects and natural ecosystems, his work seeks to depict the delicate balance between nature and human intervention.
Having trained in Applied Arts, Chauhan integrates a range of visual references, including vintage book illustrations, sewing machine manuals, historical advertisements, photography, found images, and newspapers. His use of watercolors, acrylics, natural pigments, and printmaking techniques allows for versatility across paper, canvas, and mixed media, selected based on the conceptual and material requirements of each piece.
Conceptually, his work is influenced by Surrealist traditions, drawing inspiration from artists such as Salvador Dalí and others who challenge conventional narratives through symbolism and dreamlike compositions. His recent works focus on agricultural implements, textile production, and the interconnectedness of natural resources, celebrating the creativity of nature and its intrinsic realism.
Through his paintings, Chauhan encourages viewers to reconsider the critical role of agriculture in shaping economies, cultures, and everyday lives, fostering a deeper appreciation for the unseen forces that sustain human existence.
