India, Feb. 20 -- One look at Anant Nikam's work, and it's easy to tell where he comes from. Much of his painting, printmaking and sculpture draw from his childhood years in Ambajogai, a town in Maharashtra built around the Yogeshwari Devi Temple. He captures not just the religious rituals, ceremonies and devotional gatherings, especially those conducted by the women, but echoes the colours, vibrancy and meditative quality of the moments. The work includes geometric patterns, curves and forms inspired by nature. There are also elements of folk and tribal art. Think of it as nostalgia, with a spiritual filter, but without the usual cliches.

There's no literal representation of gods, goddesses or mythological figures. Instead, Nikam picks ...