Abhishek Kumar
Traditional Folk Art · Bhagalpur, Bihar
Abhishek is a visual artist based in New Delhi, born in a small village in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar. He earned his bachelor's degree in fine arts from the College of Arts and Crafts, Patna, and his master's degree from the College of Art, New Delhi.
Rooted in the Manjusha painting tradition of the Bhagalpur region, his practice preserves and reinterprets this folk art form associated with the Bihula-Bishahari story of faith, love, struggle, and dedication. Working with its characteristic strong lines, decorative patterns, and vibrant palette of pink, green, and yellow, he brings contemporary themes into the form while sustaining its traditional elements.
Shaped by early experiences of caste, class, and social stereotype in a lower middle-class family, his work carries a deep awareness of lived social reality. Regarding himself as a custodian of heritage, Abhishek sees folk art as a living document that connects future generations with their roots, and through his practice he continues to celebrate the richness and depth of Indian folk culture.
Works
- Brahmacharini — Abhishek Kumar
- Chandraghanta — Abhishek Kumar
- Kalratri — Abhishek Kumar
- Katyayani — Abhishek Kumar
- Kushmanda — Abhishek Kumar
- Maa Durga — Abhishek Kumar
- Mahagauri — Abhishek Kumar
- Shailputri — Abhishek Kumar
- Siddhidatri — Abhishek Kumar
- Skandamata — Abhishek Kumar
- Untitled — Abhishek Kumar
- Untitled 5 — Abhishek Kumar
- Untitled 6 — Abhishek Kumar
- Untitled 7 — Abhishek Kumar
- Untitled 8 — Abhishek Kumar
- Untitled 9 — Abhishek Kumar