MEET OUR ARTISANS

Kiran Kumar Soni Ji, a celebrated regional artist and the grandson of National Awardee Badrilal Chitrakar, is deeply entrenched in the sacred tradition of Pichwai. With more than two decades of practice in this artform, in Bhilwara Rajasthan, Kiran Ji has not only upheld the revered forms and techniques of Pichwai but has also infused contemporary sensibilities into his work, bringing forward the timeless beauty of Krishna’s stories to modern audiences.

Working with gold and natural colours, Kiran Ji carefully renders Krishna’s iconic motifs. His brushstrokes and earthy natural colours handmade at home along with his family convey the intricate details of Krishna's crown and the shimmering pearls that adorn him. His compositions echo the classic subjects of Pichwai, the divine Raas Leela, Krishna with Gopis, Krishna and the cows, and the celestial flute, but each piece is imbued with a modern sensibility that marries tradition with innovation while preserving the authenticity of Pichwai's historical roots.

Bhairun Lal Swarnkar is a distinguished Shekhawati artist renowned for his expertise in traditional mural paintings, particularly in the restoration and creation of frescoes in the havelis of Rajasthan's Shekhawati region. His work has been instrumental in preserving the rich artistic heritage of Shekhawati paintings this area over 50 years.

One of his notable projects includes the renovation of the Podar Haveli in Nawalgarh, where he meticulously restored intricate wall paintings, bringing the historical narratives and artistic expressions back to life.

In recognition of his significant contributions to traditional art, Bhairun Lal Swarnkar has been honored with the President's Award, underscoring his dedication to the preservation and promotion of India's cultural heritage.

Winner of several awards Kalyan Joshi is a distinguished Phad artist from Bhilwara, Rajasthan, belonging to the Joshi family, which has preserved and practiced Phad painting for over 700 years. Phad is a traditional Rajasthani scroll painting form used to narrate folk epics like Pabuji and Devnarayan through visual storytelling. Kalyanji has been instrumental in revitalizing Phad painting by introducing contemporary themes while preserving its heritage. He founded Ankan in Bhilwara to train new generations in Phad art. He conducts workshops globally to promote Indian folk art. His work continues to inspire and evolve, blending tradition with modern narratives.

Kalyanmal Sahu currently resides in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. His journey into this intricate art form began under the guidance of Kanhaiya Lal Yati and Shri Vaishnav Das Ji, where he honed his skills in bringing divine stories to life through exquisite brushwork. For decades, he has dedicated himself to preserving and reviving Pichwai art, a sacred visual tradition deeply rooted in the Nathdwara temple culture, depicting the life and leelas of Lord Krishna. His exceptional craftsmanship earned him the National Award in 2011, a recognition of his mastery and contribution to this ancient art form.

Sahu’s Pichwai paintings adorn the walls of Rashtrapati Bhavan, a testament to his artistic excellence. His works have been showcased in prestigious exhibitions, and he has collaborated with contemporary platforms like The Plated Project, blending tradition with modern storytelling. Committed to keeping this heritage alive, he has mentored numerous students, ensuring that the legacy of Pichwai art flourishes for generations to come. With each stroke of his brush, Kalyanmal Sahu breathes life into the spiritual and artistic essence of Rajasthan, making divine narratives accessible through mesmerizing colors and intricate details.

Kuldeepak Soni, a third-generation Pichwai artist from Bhilwara, Rajasthan, was born into a family deeply rooted in traditional Indian art. He is the grandson of Shilp Guru Shri Badrilal Chitrakaar, a National Awardee in Miniature Art, and the son of Sharad Soni, also a National Award-winning artist. Under their mentorship, Kuldeepak began his formal training in Pichwai painting at the age of 11, mastering various styles, including Udaipur, Nathdwara, Bundi, Kota, and Kishangarh.

Throughout his career, Kuldeepak has showcased his work in numerous exhibitions across India. Notably, he participated in the group show "Sadiyaan – an Exhibition of Indian Traditional and Folk Art" at Gallery Time & Space in Bengaluru, co-curated by ArtenBlu. His 

paintings have found homes in the residences of prominent figures, including Amitabh Bachchan and Radhika Merchant.

In addition to traditional themes, Kuldeepak experiments with contemporary designs, blending Pichwai motifs with modern aesthetics. This innovative approach has garnered widespread appreciation. He also contributes to the preservation of Pichwai art by training college students and providing them with employment opportunities in his workshop, ensuring the continuation of this heritage.

Kuldeepak's dedication to his craft led to his invitation to the launch of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai in 2023, highlighting his significant role in the Indian art scene.

Sharad Soni ji is a distinguished Pichwai artist and the son of the late Shri Badrilal Chitrakaar, a renowned National Award-winning miniature artist. Immersed in a rich artistic heritage from a young age, Sharad began his formal journey into art in 1980, working alongside his father. Under his father's mentorship, he mastered the preparation of traditional materials, such as creating natural pigments from minerals and plants and crafting Wasli, a specialized handmade paper used in miniature paintings.

Throughout his career, Sharad has explored and contributed to various traditional Indian art forms, including the styles of Kangra, Basoli, Kishangarh, Mughal, Bundi, Kota, and Nathdwara. His versatility is evident in his work across multiple mediums, such as paper, cloth, marble, and ivory. In addition to creating original artworks, he has been involved in the restoration of paintings and deals in Indian antiquities, Pichhwais (both old and new), and antique jewelry.

Sharad's dedication to preserving and promoting traditional Indian art has been recognized with a National Award, underscoring his significant contributions to the field. He continues to inspire future generations, including his son, Kuldeepak Soni, who is also a celebrated Pichwai artist.

Heeraman Urweti is a distinguished Gond artist hailing from Madhya Pradesh, has his artistic journey deeply rooted in the rich traditions of the Gond community, known for their vibrant and intricate paintings that often depict nature, folklore, and daily life.

Throughout his career, Urweti has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to the arts. Notably, he has been honored with a State Award, underscoring his dedication to preserving and promoting Gond art.Urweti's works have been showcased in various exhibitions, both nationally and internationally, allowing art enthusiasts to appreciate the depth and vibrancy of Gond art. His paintings often feature intricate patterns and vivid colors, bringing to life the stories and traditions of his community.

In addition to creating art, Urweti is committed to passing on his knowledge to future generations. He actively engages in workshops and educational programs, teaching young artists the techniques and cultural significance of Gond painting.

For those interested in viewing his work, platforms like Your Art feature some of his notable pieces, such as "Feather Pride" and "A Peacock and Bird for Company." 

Heeraman Urweti's dedication to his craft and his efforts in promoting Gond art have made him a respected figure in the Indian art community. His paintings continue to inspire and educate, ensuring that the rich traditions of the Gond people are celebrated and preserved for future generations.

Madhu Merugoju is a distinguished Cheriyal scroll painter from Telangana, India, renowned for his dedication to preserving and promoting this traditional art form. Born in Cheriyal village, he began his artistic journey at the age of 13, learning the craft from his elder brother. Following his brother's untimely passing, Madhu committed himself to mastering Cheriyal painting in his memory.

With over two decades of experience, Madhu has become a pivotal figure in the Cheriyal art community. He resides and works in Hyderabad's Lalapet area, where he meticulously creates traditional scrolls using age-old techniques. His process involves preparing khadi cloth with tamarind-seed paste and chalk powder, painting vivid red backgrounds, and illustrating intricate scenes from Hindu mythology and local folklore.

In recognition of his contributions, Madhu has been honored with a State Award. He actively conducts workshops to educate others about Cheriyal painting, sharing its history, traditions, 

and techniques. Through these efforts, he aims to inspire a new generation of artists and ensure the continuity of this unique storytelling medium.

Despite the challenges facing traditional arts, Madhu remains optimistic. He dreams of establishing a society dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Cheriyal painting, ensuring its stories continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

Kanday Anjanappa, a seventh-generation artist from Nimmalakunta village in Andhra Pradesh, is a renowned expert in the traditional art of Tholu Bommalata, leather puppetry. Growing up in a family steeped in this craft, he began learning from his father at the age of six and had mastered the art by the age of ten.

For over two decades, Anjanappa has focused on creating and performing with leather puppets. His work involves designing intricate puppets used both in theatrical performances and as decorative items. He utilizes time-honored methods such as embossing, painting, and patchwork, with materials like leather and papier-mâché.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to preserving this cultural heritage, Anjanappa was awarded the Andhra Pradesh State Award in 2011. He currently leads a group of 15 skilled artisans and has showcased his work in numerous exhibitions, overcoming language and other challenges to bring Tholu Bommalata to an international audience.

In addition to his craft, Anjanappa is deeply committed to using puppet performances as a medium for conveying social messages. His unwavering dedication to Tholu Bommalata has made him a key figure in safeguarding and promoting this art form, inspiring future generations of artists.

Alok Ranjan Sahu is a renowned Pattachitra artist from Raghurajpur, a heritage artisan village in Odisha, India. Pattachitra, a traditional art form that combines "Patta" (canvas) and "Chitra" (painting), is known for its detailed designs and mythological storytelling. His family has been practicing this traditional art form for generations, and he continues to preserve and promote it through his own work.

In his workshop, Alok Ranjan Sahu, alongside his apprentices, demonstrates and spreads awareness of the intricate process of creating Pattachitra paintings. He has mastered both the palm leaf Talapatachitra and the cloth based canvas Patachitra completely handmade using natural colours and pigments of the region.

Alok Ranjan Sahu's artwork beautifully reflects Odisha's rich cultural traditions while incorporating modern themes. His commitment to preserving and promoting Pattachitra art has led to widespread recognition at various exhibitions and cultural events.

Priti Karn, a celebrated Madhubani artist from Bihar, is known for her exceptional contributions to this traditional Indian art form. Born in the Madhubani district, she grew up in a family of distinguished artists, with her grandmother, Padma Shri awardee Godawari Dutta, serving as a major influence on her artistic journey. Despite holding a degree in Physics, Priti was drawn to the intricate world of Madhubani painting and has dedicated over three decades to mastering and preserving this rich cultural heritage.

Her expertise extends beyond traditional Madhubani art to include Godhana painting and papier-mâché crafts. She is highly skilled in preparing natural pigments, a hallmark of authentic Madhubani artwork. Over the years, she has conducted numerous workshops across India, sharing her knowledge and passion with aspiring artists.

Priti Karn’s talent and dedication have earned her the prestigious State Award from Bihar, recognizing her significant role in promoting and innovating within the Madhubani tradition. Her artwork has been showcased in exhibitions and galleries across the country, making her a prominent figure in the world of Indian folk art.