Raghav Babbar's figurative paintings draw from his Indian heritage and mid-20th century British art techniques. He uses oil paint lavishly, building up thick layers to create rich textures. His intense connection with sitters and the physical presence he imparts to them have drawn comparisons to British artists, but Babbar's approach is uniquely his own.
Quiet and gentle, Raghav's 'conversations' with his sitters are reflected in his empathetic and sensitive portrayal of ordinary working people. Often depicting subjects in daylight to capture natural emotions, the harsh shadows of his scenes add poignancy and drama.
As a young artist, Raghav's work is evolving. He continues to build up layers of oil paint patiently but sometimes uses ground chalk for a faster, more rhythmic technique. He now occasionally paints large compositions with multiple figures, creating dynamic interactions and slightly abstracted patterns. Each new work reveals his extraordinary talent.
Born in Rohtak, near Delhi, Raghav was influenced by his travels through Uttarakhand and Sikkim. He studied at Lasalle College of Art in Singapore and participated in a group exhibition at The Institute of Contemporary Art in 2019. After deferring his MFA offer at the Royal College of Art in London, he began his studies there in 2022. Raghav currently lives and works in London.
Oct - Nov 2024 – "Orchestrated Characters", Larsen Warner Gallery, Stockholm, Sweden
Jan 2024 - Solo Presentation of Newest Works at ART SG 2024, Singapore
2023 - "Raghav Babbar: Layers of Life", Zuecca Projects, Fondazione Bevilacqua La Masa, Venice, Italy
2023 - "Raghav Babbar: New Paintings", Nahmad Projects, London, UK
2021 - "A Visual Journey: Paintings by Raghav Babbar", Waterhouse & Dodd, London, UK
Jan - Mar 2024 - "The Body Electric", Larsen Warner Gallery, Stockholm, Sweden
Mar 2024 - Presentation of works at Art Basel Hong Kong, Helly Nahmad Gallery, Hong Kong
Dec 2023 - Apr 2024 - Presentation of New Works, ICA Miami, Miami, FL, USA
2019 - Institute of Contemporary Art, Singapore