Ratheesh T, one of the youngest names in the realm of Indian contemporary art, has established a signature in how he portrays Kerala. Most of his works are known to be inspired by the forests and people of Kerala, with lush green backdrops populated by humans, who clearly seem to belong there. The artist is bringing a solo exhibition of his recent paintings to the city, at Galerie Mirchandani+Steinruecke.

Ratheesh was born in Kilimanoor in Kerala and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from College of Fine Arts in Trivandrum. Speaking about his works, the artist says, "I think of my work in two ways. One is my personal journey, and the second is the larger world. If I make a painting like 'Saami', it is to paint the culture of the people. In 'Independence Day', one visual that is so compelling speaks volumes about the nation." He does this interesting spin off on the self-portrait where he makes an appearance in his paintings, and that is because, he sees his art as part of his own personal journey too.