Art & Design blog

Rajesh Soni is an Indian artist living in Udaipur, Rajasthan where he manages Gallery One. He is well known for his hand painted digital photographs, sketching and drawing. Rajesh is the son of artist Lalit Soni and the grandson of Prabhu Lal Soni, who was once court photographer to the Maharana Sir Bhopal Singh of Mewar. The skills of hand-coloring photographs were passed down to Rajesh through the intermediary of his father.

Rajesh has also collaborated on various creative projects with American photographer and writer Waswo X. Waswo since 2007. Their joint work featured in the exhibition ‘A Studio in Rajasthan’ which toured India and led to further exhibitions throughout Europe. Their next joint exhibition, organised by Tasveer Gallery, is titled ‘Photowallah’ and opens on 8th October at Exhibition 320, Delhi.

At what age did you start to take an interest in the field you work in?

Since the age of 12 I have been interested in art because I saw my father panting. He was my first teacher.

What’s your proudest achievement so far?

I am so happy and lucky that I chose art in my life. I have been showing my work in countries including Italy, France, Germany and Switzerland. In India I got the chance to work with Waswo X. Waswo who is an American photographer living in Udaipur for the past 12 years. I work as a hand colourist for his black and white photos.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your work?

It’s not easy being an artist and it’s not easy to find honest people who will support your work.

What are your top three favourite songs?

‘Beautiful’ by James Blunt, ‘Lean On’ ft. MO by Major Lazer & DJ Snake and ‘Anga La De’ from the Bollywood movie  Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela.

What is your favourite art gallery and why?

I love my own art gallery, Gallery One Udaipur because each work is unique and different.

Name three creatives who have inspired you over the past 10 years?
Raja Ravi Varma, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali

Have you got any exciting projects coming up in the near future?
I am working on photoshoots about the lives of women and their amazing support.

If you weren’t an artist what other career would you have chosen?
Photography

What advice would you give to younger people who want to work in the creative industry?
Be happy and enjoy the moment. Don’t run after things!

To see more of Rajesh Soni’s work, please visit his Instagram account; rajeshsoniudaipur