Sentinel on the Ghats by Bikram Mukherjee

A Description of the Artwork

Sentinel on the Ghats is a dynamic and textural scene, painted in acrylic on paper. The artwork captures the commanding presence of a temple or landmark overlooking a body of water, using strong color contrasts and expressive technique.

The central feature is a massive, towering structure rendered in vibrant, warm ochre and rust tones, which stands in stark contrast to the cooler aqua-blue and grey surrounding water and sky. The artist’s use of knife work is immediately apparent, building up thick layers and sharp strokes that define the rugged architecture and the rippling reflections.

The foreground features dark boats that seem to float in a luminous haze, while white umbrella-like shapes add a delicate human element and rhythm to the composition. This small-format piece successfully conveys the monumental scale and spiritual atmosphere of a sacred riverside location, making it a powerful and engaging statement piece.