Prayag Jha

Prayag Jha Chillar, also known as Prayag Jha, is a contemporary Indian artist, specializing in etching. Her works are in collections all over India, including the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi. Jha's work was showcased in solo exhibitions from 1971 to 2012 across Jehangir Art Gallery, Taj Art Gallery, Bajaj Art Gallery and Art Heritage New Delhi. Her work depicts scenes from the ancient Indian epic "Meghdoot" ("The Messenger Clouds") and is inspired by natural forms such as grass and leaves. Jha's earlier works were primarily monochrome, but have evolved to include strong colors.
Jha won an international award at the 7th Triennial for her etching titled "Bachelor's House". Other honors were State Level Awards and National Award given to her by the President of India.
Early life.
She was born in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on March 15, 1945. Jha received a National Diploma in Fine Arts (Paintings) in 1971 from the College of Art in New Delhi, with a First Class. Jha received a Post Diploma in graphic art in 1973 from the MS University of Baroda Faculty of Fine Arts, securing a First Class with distinction under N. B. Joglekar.
From 1973 to 1975, Jha made pen drawings and etchings in Bombay as a freelance artist.
She was selected for a three-year senior fellowship from the Ministry of Human Resources and Development of India for the etching project on Kalidas Meghdoot from 1995 to 1997.
Jha married sculptor JK Chillar on July 1971, in New Delhi.
Work.
Exhibitions of Jha's artworks are frequently held at the Art Heritage Gallery, National Gallery of Modern Art and other galleries.
Jha's notable works include "Crows", "The Bachelor's House", "House without the Woman", "In Front of the House", the "Flight" series, "Scattered Life" and "Alone". Crows appear in many of her works as a symbol of loneliness and desolation.
In 2007, eighty zinc plates with etchings of "Meghdoot" were stolen from her house by scrap metal thieves. The plates were never recovered.