Rakesur Rahaman

(b. 1996, Bankura, West Bengal)

"Engagement with traditional miniature art began while I was pursuing my graduation from the Government College of Art and Craft, Calcutta, in the Indian style of painting. I used to capture trees and landscapes in my sketches, which have now evolved and taken a different form, and may contrast with styles such as fine brush drawing, decorative passages, or borders and concepts. Earlier, my works were more focused on the Indian and the Mughal painting techniques to create large-scale images of India's flora, fauna, landscape, and people. From creating my own colours from natural dyes, paints, and coffee stains, my journey as an artist has taken me in an opposite direction of a new- media artist, even though the concerns are grounded in contemporary reality.

Usually, I work in tempera, drawing pictures by pasting rice paper on board and mixing pigment colours and gum arabic. I also incorporate some Mughal miniature motifs in the works with contemporary themes."

Rakesur completed his BFA in Painting Indian Style from the Government College of Art and Craft, Calcutta (2020), and MFA from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi (2022). Raised amidst forests as the child of a Forest Department Officer, Rakesur's works are influenced by his deep connection with trees and landscapes. Initially rooted in traditional miniature art and Indian painting styles, his artistic journey has evolved significantly. His works reflect a deep engagement with socio-economic and political realities. His recent series blend Mughal miniature motifs with contemporary issues, portraying the resilience and struggles of communities amidst urban transformation. While his early works were grounded in Mughal techniques and natural dyes, the current practice embraces new media and contemporary realities.

Rakesur currently lives and works in Delhi.

Rakesur Rahaman

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