Vikash Kumar (b. 1985), born in Bodhgaya, is an artist deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of his native state. From an early age, Kumar was immersed in an artistic milieu, guided by his father, his uncle Shailendra Kumar, and later, the esteemed artist Shri Niwas Shetty. His exposure to Patna's realistic themes during his formative years profoundly influenced his foundational techniques, which later evolved to explore the realms of the conscious, subconscious, and unconscious.

Kumar’s work is a testament to the influences of Gautam Buddha and the serene, contemplative essence of Buddhist iconography. Driven by a quest to distill complex ideas into their purest, most impactful forms, he seeks peace and introspection in his creations. Hailing from a rural region where traditional gender roles are starkly defined, Kumar's art poignantly explores the nuanced journey of both male and female figures. His sculptures, crafted from ceramic, glass fiber, and metal casting, depict this duality and unity. Innovatively extending the traditional Madhubani art form into three-dimensional sculptures, he transforms mural paintings into tactile, immersive experiences. Initially inspired by the feminine figures in his father's works, he began applying textures to his portraits to narrate a deeper journey, emphasizing the portrayal of human portraiture. Central to Kumar's art is the expression of 'bhava'—deep emotional states that evoke 'shanti' or peace, illustrated through symbolic ‘mudras’ reminiscent of the meditative postures of Buddha statues found in Bodhgaya in the 10th century.

Vikash earned his bachelor's degree in fine arts from the College of Arts and Crafts, Patna (2018), specializing in sculpture. He completed his master's degree in sculpture at the College of Arts, New Delhi (2024). He has participated in key exhibitions, including the Annual Art Display at the College of Arts (2024) and the Scrap Workshop at Varanasi Lalit Kala Academy (2023). In Kumar's hands, the traditional becomes contemporary, and the personal becomes universal. His art encapsulates the essence of his journey.