Hemant Rao (b.1984) is an abstract artist whose works revolve around themes of nature, light and shadow. Rao works with abstract shapes and has a translucent, glowing quality to his forms. He uses dry pastels, which create soft colours, and incorporates semi-transparent layers to make the work appear luminous from within. His visual language brings the viewer a sense of stillness. tranquillity and neo-tantric sensibilitieswhen paired with his subjects derived from nature.
Rao has won the 60th National Academy Award from Lalit Kala (2019), a recipient of a Junior Fellowship (2011–12) from the Ministry of Culture, Gov. of India. Moreover, his paintings have been exhibited at the Busan International Art Fair (2011) and Bangkok Triennale International Print & Drawing Exhibition (2014), and he is a State Award recipient, Government of Madhya Pradesh.