thewiki

Born into the well-known Dhar clan of Khankahi-Sokhta, Srinagar, in 1958 to Pt Girdhari Lal Dhar and Smt Girija Dhar, Ravi had a childhood typical of young KP boys of that era, watching boats sail up and down the Vitasta (Jhelum) that flowed right in front of his home. He showed an inclination toward art, particularly drawing, during his school days and, after high school, did his Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Kashmir University. True to his potential, he won the Annual State Art Exhibition organized by the Govt of J&K, receiving his Award from the then Chief Minister, Shiekh Abdullah in 1982. He continued his interest in academics by studying for his ‘Masters’ in English Literature as well as in Hindi Literature from the University of Rajasthan.

Ravi has been making paintings and sculptures for the last 4 decades, mostly as a freelancer. By now, he has over 1000 creatives to his credit, both in paint and sculpture. For several years he was a regular participant in National Art Exhibitions New Delhi. He has been exhibiting his paintings across India in exclusive and solo Art Exhibitions.

Being a Kashmiri Pandit, he has been painting the history of Kashmiri Pandits with his brush. To date, 23 paintings on various aspects of Kashmir’s troubled history, from the 14th century onwards have been displayed in various public fora. He has also been highlighting the rich cultural legacy of Kashmir through his Oil Paintings of great saints, savants, scholars, poets, and artists.

Ravi has also authored a storybook in Hindi named “PANKHUDIYAN”, published in August 2020. For the last couple of decades, Ravi has made Pilani, Rajasthan his base!