Sandeep chhatraband captures the soul and spirit.
India, with its treasure trove of culture and spirituality, has always been a haven for artists. Among its contemporary talents, Sandeep Chhatraband stands out as an artist whose work resonates deeply with the spirit of erstwhile Benaras and today’s Varanasi. Born in 1979 in Ambajogai, Maharashtra, Sandeep has carved out a niche in the art world with his ability to transform Varanasi’s sacred Ghats into living,
breathing pieces of art. Renowned for his adept use of both acrylics and watercolours, Chhatraband’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with the spiritual and cultural essence of Varanasi, India’s eternal city. His work stands as a testament to his ability to not only capture the visual splendour of the sacred Ghats but also convey the profound spiritual energy that flows through them.
What makes Sandeep’s artistry extraordinary is the immersive quality of his work. Through his paintings, he transports viewers into the heart of Varanasi, allowing them to feel the sun’s warmth, hear the rhythmic ripples of the Ganges and witness the hypnotic glow of evening lamps. His art is an invitation to pause, reflect and connect with the timeless essence of this sacred city. His art evokes the sacred heartbeat of Varanasi, where the ancient and the eternal coexist harmoniously.
An Artistic Pilgrimage: From Ambajogai to Varanasi
Sandeep’s journey into the world of art began in the quiet town of Ambajogai, Maharashtra. But it was his first encounter with Varanasi that truly redefined his artistic path. For Sandeep, this city was not merely a destination; it was a revelation. The sacredness of the Ganges and the spiritual aura of the Ghats captivated him in ways he had not anticipated.
Over the years, Sandeep’s bond with Varanasi deepened. Frequent visits to the city allowed him to immerse himself in its rhythm—whether it was the serene calm of early mornings, the hypnotic rituals of the aarti, or the bustling life that unfolds along the riverbanks. This immersion fuels his art, enabling him to continuously explore the city’s essence through his paintbrush. Varanasi became more than a muse for Sandeep—it became a spiritual guide, shaping his artistic expression and infusing his work with layers of meaning.
The Ghats of Varanasi: A Timeless Muse
The Ghats of Varanasi, with their ancient steps and sacred rituals, are at the heart of Sandeep’s artistic endeavours. These riverfront terraces leading to the Ganges are not just places of worship and activity—they are living symbols of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. For Sandeep, the Ghats represent the duality of life: the chaos of human existence and the peace of spiritual surrender. Sandeep’s paintings are a vivid celebration of the Ghats. He captures their architectural intricacies with remarkable precision—the worn out stone steps, the ornate carvings, and the reflections of temples shimmering in the Ganges. His attention to detail is such that each painting feels alive, almost as though the viewer can hear the echo of temple bells and the murmur of flowing water.
What makes his work truly special is its emotional depth. Sandeep doesn’t just depict the Ghats, he invites viewers to feel their essence.
Light and Colour: The Heartbeat of Sandeep’s Art
One of the defining aspects of Sandeep’s work is his extraordinary use of light and colour. The Ghats, with their ever-changing atmospheres, offer a challenging canvas for any artist. Yet, Sandeep navigates this challenge with grace. Whether it’s the golden hues of sunrise, the soft lavender of dusk, or the deep indigo of night, he captures the city’s many moods with breath-taking accuracy.
One of the defining features of Sandeep’s work is his masterful handling of light. The Ghats are constantly bathed in changing hues—whether it’s the soft pink of dawn, the golden glow of the evening sun, or the flickering flames of the nightly aarti. Sandeep captures these transitions with remarkable skill, making each piece a living representation of Varanasi’s dynamic atmosphere.
His skill in portraying light reflects not just his technical expertise but also his deep sensitivity to the subtleties of Varanasi’s environment. His paintings are alive with the glow of sunlight bouncing off temple domes, the shimmering reflections on the river, and the interplay of shadow and light that adds depth and dimension to his scenes.
A Master of Mediums: Watercolours and Acrylics
Sandeep Chhatraband’s versatility as an artist is evident in his mastery of both watercolours and acrylics, each of which he uses to bring out different facets of his vision.
His watercolour pieces are delicate and fluid, capturing the fleeting beauty of moments like the morning mist over the Ganges or the soft glow of twilight. The fluidity of watercolours allows him to create dreamlike compositions that reflect the transient nature of time. In contrast, his acrylic works are bold and striking, bringing out the vibrancy of the Ghats. Acrylics allow him to emphasize the intricate architectural details of temples and steps, portray the vibrancy of rituals, and capture the riot of colours that define life in Varanasi. The medium’s versatility allows Sandeep to explore both the permanence and the dynamism of the city. By skilfully alternating between watercolours and acrylics, Sandeep creates the perfect balance in presenting a multi-dimensional view of Varanasi that is as complex as the city itself.
A Legacy of Art and Spirituality
Sandeep’s work is deeply rooted in the idea that Varanasi represents the journey of the soul. The Ghats serve as a powerful metaphor reflecting life’s contradictions: the bustling energy of rituals and ceremonies contrasted with moments of meditative stillness. This delicate balance between activity and serenity is a recurring theme in Sandeep’s work and one of its most compelling elements. Through his mastery of light, colour and form, he brings the Ghats to life, allowing viewers to experience their magic first-hand.
Sandeep Chhatraband’s art is more than a visual experience; it is a journey into the heart of Varanasi. His paintings capture the city’s timeless allure, offering viewers a chance to connect with its spiritual energy. Through his work, he brings the sacred and the everyday together, creating narratives that speak to both the soul and the senses.
Presented by Easel Stories Art Gallery
