This artwork explores themes of innocence, struggle, and aspiration within a rural setting. The central figure, a young boy, is depicted in a contorted pose, balancing on a checkerboard floor, with his foot holding a hoop around his neck, symbolizing both play and restraint. This physical tension could represent the challenges and limitations faced by children in underprivileged communities, where basic needs and desires often come into conflict with harsh realities. The hoop around the boy's neck suggests a playful element of a traditional game, but it could also be interpreted as a symbol of constraints imposed by societal or economic conditions.
In the background, small, modest houses set against a vast, barren landscape provide a sense of isolation. These structures symbolize the rural environment, evoking a sense of simplicity yet suggesting limited opportunities. The checkerboard pattern beneath the boy indicates a game-like scenario, perhaps alluding to the unpredictable “game” of life, where each move can lead to unexpected outcomes.
The inclusion of an airplane in the distant background hints at the dreams and ambitions that lie beyond the child’s reach—desires to escape or aspire toward a different life. The bread lying on the checkerboard floor signifies a basic need for sustenance, suggesting the daily struggles and fundamental concerns that overshadow larger aspirations. The juxtaposition of bread and an airplane speaks to the duality of immediate needs versus long-term dreams.
This painting is both a tribute to the resilience of rural children and a commentary on the limitations they face. It invites viewers to reflect on the stark contrast between innocence and struggle, between playful dreams and the grounded reality of survival. The artwork ultimately underscores the idea that the journey of growth and aspiration is, in itself, an intricate part of one’s story.
Size: 24” x 48”
Meet the Artist
My journey as an artist is deeply rooted in the desire to create art that resonates emotionally and culturally. Growing up in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, I’ve always drawn inspiration from traditional games that defined my childhood and the childhoods of many across generations. After earning a diploma in Drawing and Painting from Sheth C. N. College of Fine Arts and an MFA in Creative Portrait Painting from M. J. College, I dedicated my practice to capturing the shared experiences, memories, and values that games bring.
My work reflects a commitment to honoring the beauty and life lessons embedded in these playful activities. Art, for me, is experiential—it invites viewers to feel, not just observe. Through series like “Let’s Play Marbles”, I evoke the tactile joy and simplicity of traditional games, contrasting them with today’s digital world. With textured brushstrokes, earthy tones, and vivid highlights, I portray marbles, caroms, and other symbols of play, inviting viewers to reconnect with the timeless joy of shared play and cultural heritage.
Recognition, such as the first prize awarded by the Gujarat State Lalit Kala Academy and the publication of my work in New York based art magazine “The Woven Tale Press”, has affirmed my artistic approach. Participation in juried shows, including the 103rd All India Annual Art Exhibition and the 60th, 62nd, and 63rd National Exhibitions organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi, Delhi, has allowed me to connect with a broader audience and share my reflections on the significance of childhood games and the shifts brought about by modernity.
In each piece, my goal is to provide a mirror to viewers’ pasts and a window into a rapidly changing world. Through art, I strive to bridge generations and inspire discussions about the role of play in shaping our collective humanity.
Artwork Specs
| Size | 24” x 48” |
|---|---|
| Medium | Acrylic on Canvas |
| Artwork Care | Do not wash |
| Packaging Details | Box packing, Bubble wrap |
