-Thomas Merton
Art is the mesmerizing duality that simultaneously mirrors our souls and transports us beyond ourselves and borders including time, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender etc. It is a kind of universal language used by artists with each stroke to reach global hearts. As an Indian like many others, when I thought of promoting Indian art and artists, Noida-based artist Ram Krishna Agrawal who embodies the traditional Indian folk and tribal arts such as Madhubani and Gond with modern techniques, and has emerged as a multifaceted artist, popped up in my mind like a whatsapp notification for immediate check, consideration and carve his arty peregrination.
Before proceeding further, I would love to talk little about the ancient Indian folk arts of Madhubani and Gond. Madhubani, originating from Bihar, and named after Madhubani district, is characterized by intricate geometric patterns, floral motifs, and vibrant colors, typically depicting mythological themes and everyday life, created by using matchsticks, brushes, twigs, and fingers. Gond art, hailing from Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for its bold lines, dots, and animal motifs, mostly describing tribal legends. The blend of these traditional styles with contemporary methods results in exquisite visual narratives.
Historically, women of the Mithila region of India and Nepal confined Madhubani art to ritualistic wall paintings, while the Pardhan Gond community predominantly practiced Gond art, but now these arts forms have been restored through a mesmerizing fusion with modern techniques and are gaining coin worldwide and the credit goes to some good artists. The unearthing of these art forms by modern-day artists and art lovers has led to its commercialization, universalization and progress reaching far and wide. Artists like Jagdamba Devi, Sita Devi, and Yamuna Devi in Madhubani, and Jangarh Singh Shyam in Gond, have pioneered this transition. Their innovative approaches have paved the way for subsequent generations to experiment with new materials, themes, and techniques.
Today, if we perceive, this fusion of traditional Indian folk and tribal arts with modern techniques has given upsurge to charismatic works that appeal to global audiences and passionate and skilled artists like Ram Krishna Agrawal, who are doing an extraordinary job in the field, my reverence grew. Artists like him if I opinionate, flawlessly assimilate traditional themes with contemporary styles, using gouaches, acrylics, and mixed media and I see him not just a visionary artist but a weaver who weaves emotions with a sense of connection, empathy and understanding; with transformative power and boundless potential to carry forward Indianness at global platform. The merger of heritage and modernism what he paints not only preserves India’s rich cultural legacy but also redefines its visual identity. As a result, Madhubani and Gond art have excelled crossing geographical boundaries, becoming identical with Indian folk art’s effervescent miscellany and artistic flexibility.
Mr. Agrawal’s journey unfurls like a vivid brushstroke against life’s backdrop. Once a science graduate, the currents of passion sashayed him into the lively terrain of fashion design. Underneath this professional fascia, a deeper essence thuds ardently in the world of art and he has precisely hewed through self-education and infinite imagination.
“Art is the most beautiful of all lies,” said Picasso, and it is this essence that drives Ram Krishna’s artistic pilgrimage. Initially influenced by iconic strokes including echoes of surreal landscapes from Picasso and celestial vistas painted by Nicholas Roerich and MF Hussain, he gamboled through abstraction. However, as his journey evolved, so too did his gaze, shifting toward the rich heritage of Indian folk and tribal arts. Immersing himself in the intricate patterns of Madhubani and Gond, he discovered a vivacious canvas for his experimentation, infusing traditional essence with contemporary vision, forging a signature style that resonates globally. Agrawal’s canvas is a celebration of diversity, harmony, and love, born from his mother’s unrecognized artistry and nurtured by his father’s unwavering support.
“My art is a bridge between the old and the new,” he asserts. With watercolors, acrylics, and an array of pens, Ram Krishna breathes new life into age-old narratives, crafting fusion art that resonates with a contemporary vibrancy. This synthesis where tradition leaps into modernity, reveals a unique signature style, like a delicate tapestry woven through time. Indian folk art, with its vivid colors and intricate patterns, becomes the foundation upon which his artistic identity rests.
Balancing the demands of family, career, and art, Ram Krishna gracefully carries the unwavering passion and dedication for art creativity knows no bounds, a belief that fuels his persistent pursuit of artistic exploration. In his creative space, Ram Krishna discovers solace amid chaos, a therapeutic sanctuary where he transcends the divides of religion, caste, and creed. “We are all artists in our own way,” he believes, and this mantra propels him towards his ambition of global recognition.
With gratitude fueling every brushstroke, Ram Krishna Agrawal continues to create stunning artworks, each the embodiment of his deep-seated love for the art that tells the timeless stories of India, elevates Indian fusion art to new heights, spreading peace and unity. With over several group exhibitions in India and abroad, his work has resonated with diverse audiences, celebrating the beauty of Indian folk and tribal arts. His mission is clear: to exalt the glory of India using modern tools while honoring its rich artistic heritage. Each piece stands as a testament to his relentless spirit, a vibrant marriage between tradition and modernity, a call to experience a world where art is continually evolving yet deeply connected to its origins.
From the vibrant streets of India to the cosmopolitan cities of Italy, South Korea, Peru, and Jordan, Agrawal’s art has been witnessing the universal language of creativity. His art has traversed continents, earning accolades and recognition, yet his true reward lies in the joy of creation. His participation in esteemed exhibitions, such as the 20th Busan International Environmental Art Festival and the Tribute to Picasso, has solidified his position as a masterful fusion artist.
Notable features have marked Agrawal’s journey in International magazines, including Google Exhibits, Glitterati, MuseTouch Forever, Luxury Splash of Art, and Revista Global Arte. His art has also been showcased in esteemed publications like Anuragyam coffee table book and International Art and Poetic Anthology. To add more in this, he is Global art editor of two Indonesian magazines including Wordvid and Homagi.
Mr. Agrawal says, “Art is a healer, a harbinger of love and peace,” and through his work, he invites viewers to partake in this vibrant confluence of ideas, allowing them to glimpse a future where creativity and culture are boundless, amalgamating and reaching to all corners of the world. Consequently, his artistic voice continues to reverberate globally and rejoices lives, and Ram Krishna Agrawal remains a shining exemplar of creative resilience and cultural ambassadorship.
(Dr. Shalini Yadav is a Professor, Writer and Columnist from Jaipur, Rajasthan.)
