Dharmendra Rathore, born in 1965 in Salari, Rajasthan, is a contemporary Indian artist celebrated for his vibrant, culturally rooted works. He received a diploma in painting from the Rajasthan School of Art in 1990, followed by a Master of Fine Arts degree from the College of Art, Delhi, in 1993.

Growing up amidst the colours and festive spirit of Rajasthan, Rathore developed a deep emotional connection to its cultural richness. His earliest artistic inspirations came from the traditional miniature paintings, musical instruments, and the vibrant textiles of the region. Even as a child, he was fascinated by the visual language of his surroundings, which would later become a recurring theme in his work. His paintings radiate a sense of dreamlike serenity, inviting viewers into a meditative space far removed from the noise and chaos of everyday life. Rooted in Rajasthani folklore and symbolism, his work reflects a deep emotional undercurrent and a strong cultural identity. Some of Dharmendra Rathore’s notable group exhibitions include: Harmony Show

Save the Children, The Joy of Life ,First Biennale of Contemporary Art, Arad, Romania (2005) , Solo Exhibitions
His solo shows have been hosted at some of the country’s most respected art venues, including:

Art Alive Gallery , Jehangir Art Gallery, Nehru Art Centre, Vadehra Art Gallery

Awards and Recognitions
Rathore’s contributions to contemporary Indian art have earned him multiple accolades, such as:

Scholarships and awards from the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society (AIFACS), Rajasthan Biennial Award, State Lalit Kala Akademi Award

Fellowship from the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India

Collections
His artworks are housed in several esteemed public and private collections, including: Glenbarra Art Museum, Japan, Walson University, Australia , National Lalit Kala Akademi , Sahitya Kala Parishad, Jawahar Kala Kendra