Dr. Bharath S. Rajpal (5 May 1980 – 30 May 2020) was an Indian artist based in Bengaluru, Karnataka. His work explored abstraction, perspective, geometry and optical distortion. He was particularly associated with a body of work he called "Glitch Abstraction", in which he experimented with distortions inspired by digital errors and optical effects.
Early life and education
Rajpal was born in Bengaluru on 5 May 1980. He developed an interest in drawing and painting at an early age. He studied at the Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology in Bengaluru and later pursued studies in advertising and graphic design at Wigan and Leigh College.
Artistic work
Rajpal's artistic practice was influenced by Cubism, particularly the work of Pablo Picasso. His work examined how perspective and spatial forms could be altered through fragmentation, geometry and optical distortion.
In 2018, The New Indian Express reported on his Glitch Abstraction series, in which he incorporated visual effects resembling digital errors into works inspired by Picasso. The same report described his experiments with architectural perspective, curved mirrors and lens-related distortions.
Rajpal described his approach as an attempt to introduce architectural perspective into Cubist compositions. His experiments also included different forms of geometric and optical distortion.
Exhibitions and public presentations
Rajpal exhibited his work in Bengaluru and participated in art-related presentations and exhibitions during his lifetime.
In 2018, his Glitch Abstraction works were scheduled for exhibition at Chitrakala Parishath in Bengaluru.
After his death, his work continued to be presented in exhibitions. In August 2024, a solo exhibition in memory of Rajpal was held at Dwija Art Gallery in Bengaluru. Bangalore Mirror described the exhibition as a tribute to his life and artistic work.
Documentary
Rajpal was featured in the documentary series Geniuses of Bangalore, produced by Organisational Theatre and founded by theatre practitioner Ranji David. The series focused on lesser-known artists and their work. A 2018 report in The New Indian Express identified Rajpal as the subject of the first documentary in the series.
Death
Rajpal died on 30 May 2020, aged 40.
Legacy
Following his death, Rajpal's work has continued to be presented through exhibitions and publications. His artistic practice is primarily associated with experiments combining abstraction, Cubist-inspired forms, perspective, geometry and visual distortion.
References
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