Exhibition Launch: Friday 12th June 2026, 5pm-8pm
Exhibition continues until 11th July 2026
Gallery opening times - 11am - 1pm & 1.30pm - 4pm Wednesday to Saturday
Emerging from Hemant’s 2026 art residency at Leitrim Sculpture Centre, the exhibition brings together a new series of abstract works on paper and canvas inspired by the ancient valleys, geological formations, and unique light and atmosphere the artist encountered during his residency. Using earth pigments sourced from Ireland and from the artist's homeland in central India, the works create a dialogue between the soils and histories of the two regions. Having long been interested in the poetry of W. B. Yeats, Hemant was particularly drawn to landscapes associated with “Yeats Country,” including Ben Bulben and Glencar Waterfall.
Rendered in earth-derived shades of sienna, ochre, umber, in mesmeric layers, Hemant creates luminous fields that evoke the subtle interaction of space, matter, and energy. Glyph-like markings, shifting forms and lines appear like a sequence of states, suggesting cycles and thresholds of some kind. A circular arrangement of locally collected stones further recalls early forms of marking, orientation, gathering, ritual or pre-linguistic systems of knowledge.
Known for his work in dry pastel and earth pigments, Hemant has spent years developing a distinctive visual language through the medium. Over time, he has become increasingly interested in questions of land, collective memory, and myth, and in how elemental forces such as light and earth have been treated and revered across different cultures.
Hemant Rao
Born in a remote village in Madhya Pradesh, India, Hemant early visual experiences were shaped by forests, and an abundance of light, agricultural terrains, and heritage sites such as the Bhimbetka rock shelters and Sanchi Stupa — along with indigenous knowledge systems and traditional practices including the use of geometry, natural pigments and local clays. Rooted in these experiences, his work explores fragility, resilience, interconnectedness, and humanity’s evolving relationship with the natural world.
Hemant is currently represented by Dhoomimal Gallery, New Delhi. He received the American Dream Fellowship at Art Omi: Artists Residency, New York in 2025 and was awarded the 60th National Academy Award by Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi in 2019. His work has been exhibited at India Art Fair (2020, 2022, and 2024), Art Mumbai 2024, among other exhibitions.
Hemant's artistic journey began at the Graphic Studio in Bharat Bhawan, Bhopal, where he worked from 2005 to 2010. He had a solo exhibition at Gallery Art & Soul in Mumbai (2016), and has participated in group exhibitions at contemporary galleries like Art Houz, Chennai, as well as institutions such as Bharat Bhawan, Bhopal. Hemant’s works have been exhibited at contemporary art events, including the India Art Fair (2024, 2022, 2020) at NSIC, Delhi, with the 2024 edition showcased at the BMW Collectors' Lounge. His work has also been exhibited at Art Mumbai 2024, Art of India by the Times of India Group at India Habitat Centre (2023), and the Madras Art Weekend in Chennai (2023, 2024). Internationally, his works have appeared at the Busan International Art Fair and Seoul Art Festival (2011), Art Revolution Taipei (2019), and the Bangkok Triennale (2014).
Hemant’s works are part of several collections, including the Bihar Government Museum, the Uttarayan Art Foundation in Vadodara, the Triveni Museum in Ujjain, Silpakorn University in Bangkok, and the Takshila Educational Society (TES) in Bihar. His art is also held in notable private collections, including American real estate developer, literary agent, author Francis J. Greenburger and former Chief Minister of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, India, Digvijay Singh.