Jai Zharotia

Jai Zharotia (1945–2021) was a distinguished artist and educator born in Delhi. He studied Fine Arts at the Delhi College of Arts (1967–71) and began his career as an art teacher at Bal Bhavan before joining his alma mater as a lecturer in 1974. He eventually became a professor and head of the painting department in 2005.  

 

Zharotia’s work explored themes of duality, bridging the visible and invisible, the conscious and unconscious, and the real and imagined. His artistic vocabulary often featured a clown-like figure with a dunce cap, symbolizing the multifaceted roles of the common man. Over time, this motif evolved into a female acrobat, embodying grace and flexibility while navigating life's complexities.  

 

A recipient of numerous awards, including the Lalit Kala Academy Award, Zharotia's works are part of prestigious collections, including the Alkazi Collection, KNMA, and DAG Collection. His legacy as an artist and educator continues to inspire, blending imagination with deeply introspective themes.