Shri Kumar Adhikari

New Delhi

Shri Kumar Adhikari (b. 1987) is celebrated for his reinterpretation of Mughal Miniature painting through a contemporary lens. His work creates a striking fusion of historical grandeur and modern-day influences, exploring the intersection of tradition and technology. Adhikari brings the Mughal era to life with vivid depictions of durbars, processions, ceremonies, and festivities, but with a subtle modern twist.

His paintings embody the elegance and intricacy of the Mughal court, with elaborate zari work, intricate jewellery, and motifs that transport to another time period. He opts for acrylics over traditional natural pigments and dyes used in miniature paintings, infusing his artworks with a contemporary flair. Trained as an academic painter, Adhikari’s realistic approach to art has always been a core influence in his practice. His recent work draws on the themes of the portrayal of a delicate balance between technological influence and human values, through his neo-miniature paintings. Adhikari illustrates both beauty and bitter truths with a sense of quiet humility. For Adhikari, painting is more than just a medium for artistic expression; it is a way of engaging with the world, blending lived realities with fantasies, and offering insights into the evolving narratives of our time. His work reflects on the dynamic tension between history and the present, reality and aesthetics, technology and human emotion.

Adhikari completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A) in painting from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, in 2011, and earned his Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A) in painting from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, in 2013. He has participated in significant exhibitions such as “Time in Transition” at the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, and “Echoes of the Mughal Era” at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai. His work has also been showcased at the India Art Fair and Art Dubai. Adhikari's contributions to the art world have been recognized with several awards, including the National Art Award and the Kala Ratna. His paintings are held in prestigious public and private collections, including the National Museum of Modern Art and the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art.