Devidas Dharmadhikari

The horse — a timeless symbol of power, grace, and untamed spirit — needs no lengthy introduction. Its beauty, strength, and dynamism have been admired across cultures and eras, making it one of the most iconic and revered subjects in the world of art. It carries within it a unique blend of elegance and raw force, of controlled discipline and wild freedom. For me, the horse is not just an animal, but a living embodiment of motion, purpose, and passion.

Yet, despite its familiarity, the horse remains one of the most challenging subjects to portray in painting. Capturing its anatomy, fluid movement, and expressive energy demands both technical precision and emotional sensitivity. In my work, I have consciously tried to preserve the natural proportions and anatomical structure of the horse, resisting the temptation to stylize it excessively. At the same time, I have allowed room for visual interpretation — occasionally simplifying the form to highlight movement, momentum, and rhythm.

My paintings seek to go beyond surface beauty. Through bold brushstrokes and vibrant colour palettes, I attempt to express the inner vitality and spirit of the horse. Each stroke is intentional, echoing the thundering gallop, the powerful stride, the silent determination. The semi-circular forms recurring in my compositions are not merely aesthetic devices; they are symbolic gestures — visual metaphors for propulsion, continuity, and energy. These arcs suggest the horse’s unstoppable drive toward a goal, a destination, a dream.

Ultimately, my work is a dialogue between realism and abstraction, between structure and spontaneity. It is an ode to the horse as a metaphor for resilience, progress, and the eternal quest for freedom. In every line and color, I strive to bring to life not just the form of the horse, but its essence — powerful, free, and endlessly inspiring.