This Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg student is a visionary in art and creativity

Helik Jairath’s latest masterpieces, Purusa and Dharma Yuddha, present a captivating blend of traditional mythology with modern artistic techniques. Drawing inspiration from the epic Mahabharata, Helik’s ability to capture the complex energy surrounding characters like Shakuni, Draupadi, and Krishna is nothing short of remarkable.

Selected once again as Apeejay Aspiring Artist, let us gain fresh perspective as we read the young master’s views on works. 

Your artwork Purusa has a modernist touch. What inspired the concept behind it?
Purusa is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “cosmic man” or the divine being. In Hindu tradition, it’s another name for Lord Shiva. I wanted to emphasise the inseparable connection between Shiva and Shakti, the divine feminine. The red tilak on Purusa represents Shakti, illustrating that Shiva is incomplete without her. The artwork also reflects how Purusa is connected to nature (Prakriti), which we should view as sacred.

Tell us about the concept behind your second piece, Dharma Yuddha.
The artwork revolves around three distinct perspectives from the Mahabharata during the Dharma Yuddha, or righteous war. Shakuni’s eye represents treachery and manipulation; he sees himself as the mastermind causing the Pandavas’ downfall. Draupadi’s eye is filled with disbelief, sorrow, and anger as she remembers the silence of the court during her disrobing. Krishna’s eye, however, signifies acceptance and foresight—he understands that this moment will eventually lead to the great war between good and evil.

The detailing in your artwork is exceptional—Draupadi’s teary eyes, the different tilaks—what inspired this approach?
The emotions in Draupadi’s eyes symbolise her intense grief and rage following her humiliation. Once the embodiment of royalty and purity, her life was turned upside down by the Kauravas’ betrayal. Each character’s tilak represents their distinct traits. Shakuni’s tilak reflects his cunning and deceit in the dice game, Draupadi’s is a traditional Shakti tilak symbolising power, and Krishna’s tilak embodies his divine essence, with the bindi representing femininity and strength.

How long did it take you to complete these pieces?
I don’t usually track the time it takes to finish an artwork. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of hours, but other times, it can take weeks. When I feel stuck or frustrated with a piece, I step away, refresh my mind, and come back later with a renewed perspective to complete it.

How has your school supported your artistic journey?
My school has been incredibly supportive of my passion for art. The school offers me numerous platforms to showcase my work and provides constant encouragement through mentorship and constructive feedback. This kind of nurturing environment inspires me to push my creative boundaries further.

Your work displays a professional touch—where did you learn these abstract techniques?
I’m mostly self-taught and have honed my skills through a lot of practice. While I haven’t received any formal training, I draw inspiration from various artists. One of my biggest influences is PS Rathour, whose watercolor work on Instagram is incredible. Over time, I’ve evolved beyond just copying techniques and focused on developing my own unique style and expression.

Do you plan to take art professionally in the future?
I’d love to pursue a career that blends my interests in art and literature. Media and filmmaking fascinate me, especially because they allow me to explore cinematography and screenwriting, where I can merge my creative passions and tell visual stories.

What are you working on next?
I’m currently developing an artwork that authentically represents Sita Maa, particularly her Nepali roots. There’s a lack of proper representation of Maa Sita in the media, especially in connection with the Northeast. My goal is to portray her with features that reflect that part of her heritage.

Finally, what is your philosophy on art?
I believe art is a rhythm—a flow that everyone connects with differently. While some people resonate with it, others may not, and that’s okay. I think criticism often stems from a rejection of the goddess Saraswati. Every artist brings something new to the table, and that diversity of expression should be celebrated.