In Boishali Sinha’s art practice, animals appear elemental, emerging from nature.
The works of Boishali Sinha emerge from a deep-set involvement with mythology, nature and the symbolic presence of animals within Indian spirituality.
Known widely for her work as a production designer in films such as Rowdy Rathore and Gabbar Is Back and for her acclaimed visual work in Haddi, Sinha imbues the same narrative sensibility in her paintings. Her art is more inward looking with a splash of philosophy. In her canvases one can observe mythology, instinct and ecological consciousness converge.
At the heart of this exhibition was the horse—a creature in Indian mythological thought. In Sinha’s work, the horse is not merely an animal form but a carrier of cosmic energy, representing speed, transformation and wisdom. Through layered textures, bold strokes and expressive movement, the artist creates compositions where these animals appear almost elemental, emerging from nature.
Hayagriva, the horse-headed manifestation of Vishnu was one of the well-received works.
The horse form appears celestial, emerging through dynamic lines and radiant colours that suggest spiritual illumination.
Another recurring reference is Kalki, the prophesied final avatar of Vishnu, believed to appear at the end of the present cosmic age riding a white horse to restore balance and righteousness. In these works, Sinha explores the theme of cosmic renewal. Equally significant is Dadhikra, celebrated in the Rigveda as a swift and radiant horse associated with vitality, courage, and the rising sun.
Complementing these mythological references is the evocative idea of the “Neelay Ghode Wale,” or the rider of the blue horse—a phrase deeply resonant in folk and devotional traditions. Here, the blue horse becomes a symbol of transcendence and spiritual journey, breaking from naturalistic depiction to enter a mystical dimension where the animal becomes both guide and guardian. Beyond mythology, Sinha’s paintings engage with a broader philosophical reflection on the relationship between humans and animals. In her compositions, animals emerge from textured backgrounds that are like earth, wind or water.
Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, Sinha embraces a process that is both intuitive and experimental. Her paintings are marked by bold, gestural brushwork and richly layered textures. Rather than adhering to rigid preparatory sketches, she allows compositions to evolve organically, guided by instinct and emotional response.
