Around the time when photos of Lord Shiva’s sacred vehicle, Nandishwara, were being feverishly exchanged online to argue in favour of the archaeological remains of a temple in Varanasi, I interacted with a visual artist specialising in Nandi images. Curiously, his four new works—acrylic on canvas—will be part of an upcoming group show in Varanasi.  Ashok Shriram Rathod, 35, a graduate from Sir JJ School of Applied Art, who is based in Navi Mumbai, is also currently working on three-dimensional Nandi installations.  He is experimenting with clay as of now in his workshop studio, but soon will transition to fibre glass to make a life-size Nandi. “Nandi denotes anand in its purest form.  To etch a Nandi on canvas or using any other medium, is a joy like none other,” says Rathod.

Rathod’s Varanasi show includes his signature combos—three images depicting Lord Shiva imbibed on Nandishwara’s ornate saddle cloth, denoting the oneness between the Lord and his sacred carrier. Another frame juxtaposes the divine Kamadhenu with Lord Krishna. The animal forms have been the mainstay of Rathod’s art.