As a fine art graduate, Dr Pradhaan faced the proverbial dilemma that every artist goes through – finding his raison d’être – but hopping on the contemporary art bandwagon wasn’t an inspiring direction for Dr Pradhaan. He found his identity in the vast depths of Indian culture and its art practices. He realised to practice ethnic art understanding each warp and weft of India’s vast heritage is essential – uncovering the symbolism and iconography of one of the oldest civilisation is like digging a bottomless well. Studying archeology and Indian art history allowed him to analyse and appreciate its minutiae. He spent nearly 20 years studying the pigments of natural mineral and vegetable dyes, eventually choosing to make his own natural colours for his work.

He has worked on many techniques and mediums, yet Maratha miniature remains to be his favourite. The challenges presented by miniature paintings excite him. The intricate storytelling that miniature engages in through its every stroke conveys an emotion that invites you to come closer and examine. The intimacy of this whole process is invigorating for him as an artist. His judicious study and research on Deccani art is so intense that through the varying transitions of an art practice, Dr Pradhaan adds his own interpretation without losing the art’s resonance.

The motif of mythology often makes an appearance in his work, however the symbolism used to depict an event from mythology – like in the case of Ganesh Lok – is expressed through an entirely new perspective.

Dr Pradhaan’s work has been showcased in major galleries in Pune, and has received numerous awards and honours in recognition of his art and academic work. He has done phenomenal work in the arena of academics and continues to be a revered art historian and an artist.