Reimagining Roots: Contemporary Indian Artists of a New Generation

India is a treasure trove of art and culture, with each state and region having its distinct artform and practice. Yet, due to mass production, industrialisation, lack of demand and patronage for these traditional crafts, many art families are losing their livelihood, with practising artisans forced to quit and take up other jobs, while new generations in these art families refuse to learn or practise them due to lack of opportunities.

However, there are a few new generation artists who fall in love with their ancestral craft and find a way to revive and maintain its legacy by ensuring their relevance to contemporary times without losing their core essence.

Here are the stories of some new generation, upcoming, young artists who have become the face of their traditional regional artforms and are ensuring their growth and global spread -

Sandeep Dhurve - Gond

Born on July 9, 2001, in Patangarh and raised and educated in Bhopal, Sandeep Dhurve's artistic journey began with a childhood passion for painting, deeply influenced by his father, Suresh Kumar Ji, a student of the renowned Jangarh Singh Shyam. After graduating from college, Sandeep dedicated himself to art full-time in the last two to three years, with his father remaining his core inspiration. He primarily works on paper, canvas and murals, and also undertakes order-based projects. His focus lies in depicting wildlife, sealife, jungle flora and fauna, often highlighting beautiful, less-seen insects, along with broader themes of nature and human experiences in daily life.

The Colorful Swarm: Dragonflies In Gond by Sandeep Dhurve

Like all Gond artists, Sandeep Dhurve's unique artistic style also features signature motifs and patterns inspired by natural textures.

The below artwork shows his unique vision where he uses ants to depict tree leaves to draw attention to the smaller creatures living on a tree which are not visible from afar, yet prominent on a closer and more careful look, acting as a reminder that each part of nature has its own beauty, if only one takes the time to stop and observe.

Another pattern of his is also visible in this composition, where the water and certain parts of the fish are covered with wrinkles, inspired by the wrinkles on the skin, the veins of leaves, cracks in dry mud and crevices in rocks.

The Symbiotic Life: A Gond Depiction by Sandeep Dhurve

The pattern on the bird is a combination of feathers and fish scales, merging the aerial and aquatic lives together to depict the theme of interconnectedness in nature, which lies at the base of Gond worldview.

The Enchanted Forest In Gond by Sandeep Dhurve

The pattern on the fish is called the liger pattern, inspired by the hybrid of lion and tiger.

Marine Life in Gond by Sandeep Dhurve

Thus, he keeps the essence of Gond art intact by depicting naturalistic themes with varied patterns inspired by their surroundings and lifestyle, while also innovating with lesser known animals, unique motifs and giving the art in general a more contemporary and modern look with the choice of color palette as well.

While he hasn't entered competitions, he actively creates and sells his work and has even mentored fellow artists like Gond artist Lata Ji. He continuously refines his techniques through workshops. He has effectively overcome early hurdles in gaining audience reach, publicity and marketing for his art, a process in which MeMeraki has significantly assisted him in connecting with a broader base. Sandeep aspires to gain widespread recognition, achieve higher sales and establish himself as a celebrated artist. Driven by the inherent importance of art, a value passed down by his father, he aims to create cherished pieces that viewers will proudly display in their homes as souvenirs of Indian culture.

Check out more of his work here

Sai Kiran - Cheriyal

Sai Kiran, a 33-year-old artist born in Gajularamaram, is credited with carrying on the history of the Dhanalakota family, the last practising family for Cheriyal Scroll painting. A 160-year-old Cheriyal scroll painted by his great-great grandpa is also on display in a museum in Paris, providing insight into his family's past. With the market for Cheriyal scrolls decreasing, his parents advised him to study rather than pursue painting, but Sai Kiran obtained a degree in fine arts to acquire new art techniques to modernise and make his work relevant in today's times.

He wishes the Cheriyal scroll painters knew more about the stories they are painting, because the storytellers for these paintings are autonomous and add their own colour to the stories, but he makes an attempt to study these stories, and his personal favourite is Gaurapuranama's, about Toddy Tappers (Wine tappers).

'We replace our phones every year, our phone covers every two months, change is such a constant, therefore our work needs to stay up with it and adapt,' Sai Kiran says. Thus, along with traditional depictions of village life of Telangana, he also showcases more contemporary themes.

The Daily Village: An Agricultural Harvest Scene In Cheriyal Scroll by Sai Kiran

The Rhythm of Life in Cheriyal Scroll by Sai Kiran

As per the tradition of Cheiryal mask making in Telangana, Sai Kiran also makes these masks - on the usual smaller scales as well as on large scale installations incorporating the scroll paintings on various themes.

Satara Masks In Cheriyal by Sai Kiran

For his excellent work in preserving this beautiful art form, he has been awarded various accolades including the Telangana State Award, Kala Bharathi, Craft Council of Telangana, Pingle Kamala Reddy Award, Sanman Award and Shri Dnyanesh Chitrakala Mahavidala Award.

Click here to view more of his work.

Gaurav Shakya - Tarkashi Craft

Born on April 27, 2003, in Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, Gaurav Shakya is a young Tarkashi artist dedicated to preserving his family's generational craft. Tarkashi, an intricate art form involving the inlay of brass, copper, or silver wire into wood, has been practiced by Gaurav's family for generations. His grandfather, a recipient of a national award for Tarkashi in 1970, laid the foundation for this artistic legacy, which Gaurav is now proudly carrying forward as the third generation.

Gaurav primarily works on wood, creating exquisite Tarkashi pieces. He also has a keen interest in painting, expanding his artistic scope beyond traditional craft for sale. His vision includes diversifying his creations to encompass home and wall decor items like stands, wall hangers, and tea coasters, aiming to bring this intricate art into everyday living.

Brass Tarkashi Coaster: Leaves on Sheesham Wood (set of 5) by Gaurav Shakya

In the art of Tarkashi, Gaurav often focuses on engraved patterns and portraits of Radha Krishna and other divine deities.

Divinity in Tarkashi Inlay: Radha Krishna by Gaurav Shakya

Gaurav's profound inspiration lies in preventing the extinction of Tarkashi. He feels a strong sense of responsibility to his familial legacy, recognizing the rarity and importance of preserving this unique craft. His main challenge currently is finding suitable platforms to sell his artwork and connect with art-appreciating customers. Looking ahead, Gaurav aspires to expand his reach by venturing into online sales and exports, aiming to bring the beauty of Tarkashi to a global audience.

Gaurav Shakya embodies the spirit of an artist deeply connected to his roots, determined to innovate while honoring a treasured tradition.

Click here to see more of Gaurav’s work

Hasir Chitrakar - Kalighat

Hasir Chitrakar, 28, hailing from Naya, West Bengal, is an accomplished artist renowned for his expertise in Bengal Pattachitra and Kalighat styles. With a rich artistic lineage as the son of Manoranjan Chitrakar, Hasir has been immersed in the world of painting since the tender age of 8. His passion for the craft runs deep, evident in his dedication to preserving and showcasing traditional art forms.

One of Hasir's notable achievements includes creating a stunning mural adorning the walls of the Pingla police station. However, his artistic endeavors extend beyond his hometown, as he has traveled to various cities like Delhi and Chennai, participating in exhibitions alongside his father. Hasir's favorite project remains his time spent teaching Kalighat and Bengal Pattachitra at an educational center in Kanpur, reflecting his commitment to passing down his craft to future generations. In his Kalighat paintings, Hasir often depicts deities and celestial beings, infusing his artwork with spiritual and cultural significance.

Goddess Durga Kalighat painting by Hasir Chitrakar

Additionally, he showcases his versatility by exploring other mediums such as Chauk Pot and wall plate paintings, adding depth and diversity to his artistic repertoire.

Maa Saraswati with her Veena Bengal pattachitra Plate by Manoranjan Chitrakar

Ashok Kumar - Tikuli

Ashok Kumar, 28, is a distinguished Tikuli artist from Begampur, Bihar, known for his impressive blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern artistry. He holds a diploma in Tikuli art from Upendra Maharathi Shilp Anusandhan Sansthan in Patna and has further honed his skills through a three-month training program at B.S.E.B. Patna. Complementing his expertise in Tikuli art, Ashok has earned a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and accumulated over seven years of experience in sketching and practicing diverse art forms.

Ashok’s work embodies the rich heritage of Tikuli art, an ancient tradition believed to be 800 years old and originating from Patna.

This intricate art form, which draws inspiration from the decorative "bindi" traditionally worn by women, is renowned for its detailed motifs of Hindu mythological characters. Each piece is meticulously painted on the glazed surface of hardboard plates, a process that demands exceptional patience and skill.

Composition of dancing and singing in Tikuli painting by Ashok Kumar

Ashok has showcased his work in numerous prestigious exhibitions and contests, including those at the Heritage of India in New Delhi, the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex in Shimla, and the Lichhavi Mahotsav in Bihar, among others. His participation in these events highlights his commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural legacy of Tikuli art while also contributing to its evolution in the contemporary art scene.

Check out more of his work here

Kamlesh Parmar

Born in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, on September 10, 1996, Kamlesh Parmar is a Bhil artist currently based in Bhopal. From a young age, Kamlesh was drawn to painting, inspired by the rich artistic traditions of his community. His journey into Bhil art was a natural progression of a childhood hobby, deeply rooted in the stories and people around him.

Kamlesh primarily works on canvas and paper sheets, favoring themes that revolve around jungle narratives, trees, and animals.

Forest Life in Bhil by Kamlesh Parmar

He also beautifully depicts Bhil stories and the daily life of his community, bringing their rich cultural heritage to life through his art. His inspiration is deeply personal, stemming directly from his childhood experiences and the people of his village and community. These foundational influences are what drive him to keep the Bhil art form alive.

Village Life Bhil Painting by Geeta Bariya

Despite his passion and talent, Kamlesh faces the common challenge of reaching a wider audience and improving sales for his artwork. Looking ahead, he aspires to achieve a better lifestyle as an artist and dreams of establishing his own Bhil art studio. Kamlesh Parmar represents a new generation of Bhil artists, dedicated to preserving and sharing the vibrant artistic legacy of his community with the world.

Kritika Joshi - Phad

Kritika is a distinguished member of the renowned Joshi family, who have been the foremost custodians and practitioners of Phad painting for an astonishing seven centuries. As the 30th generation of her family dedicated to this traditional art form, Kritika carries forward a rich and storied legacy.

Having graduated from the Indian Institute of Crafts and Design, Kritika has not only mastered the art of Phad painting but has also actively engaged with both private and non-profit organizations to promote this craft. Her efforts include conducting workshops and organizing exhibitions featuring Phad painting and related textiles. Some notable collaborations include partnerships with institutions such as Craft Village in Delhi, Amity University, and Chitrashala in Bhilwara, where she has contributed to the preservation and propagation of Phad painting. Kritika's commitment to her heritage and the broader artistic community is a testament to her dedication and passion for Phad artistry.

In her work, Kritika depicts many traditional themes like Pabuji - the folk deity, folk festivals and royal narratives.

The Dynamic Pabuji: Phad Painting by Kritika Joshi

She also depicts more contemporary themes using the same traditional Phad style, ensuring the continuity of the art while maintaining its authenticity.

The Aeroplane: Phad Painting by Kritika Joshi

Check out more work by Kritika Joshi here

Naveen Soni - Pichwai

Artist Naveen Soni hails from a family of traditional artists in Bhilwara, Rajasthan. He was trained from a young age by his grandfather, Shilp Guru Shri Badrilal Chitrakaar—a National Awardee in Miniature and Pichwai Art—and his father, Shri Sharad Soni. His natural talent was nurtured in a culturally rich environment, deeply rooted in traditional artistry. Naveen is a versatile artist who works in various classical styles such as Udaipur, Nathdwara, Bundi, Kishangarh, Kota, Kangra, Basholi, Pahari, Mughal, and Jain schools, as well as in contemporary forms.

Naveen regards the traditional art of Pichwai painting as his cultural inheritance and strives to blend tradition with modernity. He has continued the unbroken legacy of creating richly hued Pichwai artworks on cloth and paper using natural stone pigments and gold leaf.

The Serene Devotion: Shrinathji in Pichwai by Naveen Soni

His Pichwai paintings beautifully depict the intricate and ever-changing Shringar (adornments) of Lord Krishna, enriched with imaginative use of decorative elements, motifs, and accessories.

Surrounded by Bhakti: Shrinathji in Pichwai by Naveen Soni

The Divine Leelas of Lord Krishna: A Pichwai by Naveen Soni

Constantly exploring new artistic expressions, Naveen has also experimented by fusing contemporary and miniature styles to create aesthetically unique artworks.

Shrinathji in Monochrome in Pichwai by Naveen Soni

He has showcased his work in numerous exhibitions across India.

Check out more of Naveen Soni’s art here

Ashutosh Verma

Ashutosh Verma, 28, is a sixth-generation artist hailing from Mathura's Verma community. His artistic journey commenced at the tender age of five, immersing himself in the enchanting folk art of Sanjhi. This timeless tradition finds its roots with Ashutosh's great-grandfather, Shri Chain Shuk Das Verma, who embarked on his own Sanjhi odyssey nearly three centuries ago, passing it down through generations. Ashutosh's devotion to this art spans 15 years, and his family's prowess has garnered both State and National acclaim for their Sanjhi creations. Remarkably, at the age of 20, Ashutosh is now reaching for a State Award category of his own. Collaborating closely with his father, they form a dynamic duo, crafting exquisite works that blend tradition and innovation, painting a vivid portrait of Mathura's artistic heritage.

He depicts a variety of themes in his art, including the traditional mythological tales, along with more imaginative and detailed architectural designs and natural patterns.

Architecture in Sanjhi by Ashutosh Verma

Check out the entire collection of Ashutosh Verma’s Sanjhi pieces

Avinash Kam - Madhubani

Avinash Karn is a distinguished Madhubani artist who was born in the village of Ranti in Madhubani, Bihar. Growing up in a family steeped in the Madhubani art tradition, he began learning the craft from his family members from a young age. His passion for this traditional art form grew over the years, and by 2014, he had started practicing it commercially. Avinash's inspiration came from renowned Madhubani artist Ganga Devi, whose work he greatly admired. He is the third generation in his family to pursue Madhubani art, making it a family legacy. He also holds a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, with a focus on sculpture, from Banaras Hindu University.

Although he has never actively applied for awards, Avinash has gained significant recognition. He was invited to Switzerland for the Fumetto Comic Festival, held in the city of Lucerne, where his work was displayed at the airport. He also conducted workshops and had two speaking engagements during the festival. This opportunity was unplanned, as the organizers reached out to him directly, selecting him as one of three artists from India. Besides this international event, he has also exhibited his work at prestigious venues such as the Lalit Kala Academy and the Birla Academy, often in collaboration with other renowned Indian artists. Additionally, he has received a scholarship from the Ministry of Culture, which has further opened doors to various workshops with institutions.

One of Avinash's favorite projects was his work at the Azeem Premji University in Bangalore, where he created a large painting for the welcome center and a mural in the seminar hall. The mural was a massive collaborative effort, involving eight artists from across India, with dimensions reaching 50 feet in height and 80 feet in width. Avinash played a significant role in this ambitious project, showcasing his expertise and creativity.

In addition to traditional Madhubani themes, Avinash explores contemporary subjects, including

cinema series and cityscapes, investing substantial time in research before creating his works.

The Smile of Mumbai: A Visual Narrative in Madhubani by Avinash Karn

While he maintains the traditional style, he strives to bring a fresh perspective, avoiding common repetitions in traditional Madhubani paintings. Avinash's journey as an artist was not without challenges. He began his career as a freelance artist, facing financial struggles and limited support. Connecting with people on social media was a turning point for him, gradually helping him build a network and find clients. His persistence and dedication helped him overcome initial difficulties and establish himself in the art world.

Avinash's ambition goes beyond his personal success; he aims to preserve and promote lesser-known Madhubani art forms, such as Godna tattoos, Godna paintings, and low-relief paintings. He is committed to ensuring these art forms do not get neglected and wants to improve the livelihood of other artists who work in these areas. His ultimate goal is to continue researching these traditional art forms, writing books to document and share their rich heritage with a broader audience.

Check out more of his wonderful work here

Mohd. Bilal - Zardosi

Mohd Bilal, a skilled artisan from Raja Ki Mandi, Agra, is a shining example of dedication and talent in the world of Zardozi craftsmanship. With a legacy passed down from his father, Mr. Fazal Mohd, who received prestigious awards like the Padma Shri, National Award, and Shilp Guru, Bilal ji continues the tradition as the third generation in his family.

His educational journey includes a graduation from Agra University and a diploma in fashion design from IIFT, along with the ongoing pursuit of a master's degree in fine arts. Bilal ji’s accolades include national and state awards including State Award - Zari Embroidery & Designing by U.P. Govt., Merit State Award, Kamla Devi Award, Lokmat Gamma and National award (NMC). His work has been showcased at renowned craft exhibitions across India and abroad.

Bilal ji’s expertise extends across various mediums, from wall hangings and garments to home accessories like bags, clutches, and cushion covers.

He excels in blending traditional Indian motifs with modern and contemporary designs, showcasing his versatility and innovation.

Gemini Zodiac in Zardozi by Md. Bilal

Despite initial challenges, his perseverance and passion have led him to establish a strong presence in the industry. His vision includes creating a recognizable brand for Zardozi craftsmanship, promoting Indian culture globally, and nurturing talent through training programs.

Have a glance at the entire collection of his mesmerising artwork here

Purusottam Swain - Talapatra, Pattachitra, Saura Art

From the quaint village of Raghurajpur, a place where the air is thick with the rich heritage of Pattachitra art, comes Purusottam Swain, a dedicated 29-year-old artist who has been honing his craft since the tender age of eight. Growing up in a family of artists, Purusottam’s earliest memories are of sitting beside his father, watching him bring stories to life on canvas. Inspired and guided by his father’s steady hand and deep knowledge, Purusottam began painting in the 4th standard, and he hasn’t stopped since.

Over the years, Purusottam’s dedication to Pattachitra has blossomed, earning him recognition from art lovers both in India and abroad. His artistry has been celebrated with a certificate of appreciation from Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, and his work has been showcased at renowned cultural gatherings such as Bharat Lok Parv, and appreciated with awards like NIFT Best Designer and Karnataka Chitakala Parishad Award.

Pattachitra, derived from the Sanskrit words patta (canvas) and chitra (picture), is more than just a painting technique for Purusottam. It’s a way to preserve the vivid tales of mythology and tradition, to celebrate the vibrant colors and intricate designs that define this ancient art form. Each piece he creates is a testament to his passion for storytelling and his commitment to keeping the spirit of Pattachitra alive for future generations.

Shiva Parvati Kalyanam - Pattachitra Painting by Purusottam Swain for Home Decor

View more of his work here

Rizwan Khatri - Rogan art

National award winner Rizwan Khatri is a 7th generation Rogan artist. His father Sidik Khatri, a well known Master artist from village Nirona in Kutch lost everything after the 2001 earthquake and had to forcibly give up Rogan art in order to support his family . Rizwan was a young student then but had the vision and love for his family's heritage to take up Rogan art again. His father, first skeptical, saw his perseverance and supported him and his brother then took up the art too and together they have been innovating and taking this art forward in new ways.

His work has now also been showcased at the Lakme Fashion Week and a painting by him has also been presented by PM Modi to the British High Commissioner. Rizwan has now also taken the initiative to teach this art to 15 women in his village - again a testament to his progressive thinking as women were earlier barred from learning this art.

His work centers around naturalistic themes like the tree of life, birds, animals, rural scenes, etc.

Tree of Life Rogan Art by Rizwan Khatri

Check out more of his magnificent art here

Garima Saini - Blue Pottery

Garima Saini is a blue pottery artist from Jaipur, Rajasthan, who carries forward a rich artistic legacy rooted in one of India’s most distinctive craft traditions. Blue pottery in Jaipur, known for its vibrant cobalt blue hues and Persian-influenced floral and geometric motifs, is made from a unique fritware that excludes traditional clay, requiring many days of meticulous handwork from shaping to painting and firing. Garima grew up around this craft in her family’s Ram Gopal Blue Pottery Studio, founded by her father and Shilp Guru awardee Gopal Saini and has since embraced both the traditional techniques and contemporary voice of the art.

Nature in Bloom: Flowers and Vines in Blue Pottery Plate by Garima Saini

What sets Garima apart is her commitment to preserving heritage while making it relevant today. With a master’s degree in international business, she has helped modernise the studio’s practice, leveraging innovation, design evolution and digital platforms to reach younger audiences without compromising the craft’s authenticity. Garima also works towards supporting and empowering women artisans, training them in technique, design, and marketing to create sustainable livelihoods through blue pottery. Her efforts have brought wider recognition to the craft both within India and internationally.

Have a look at more of their work here

Vikram Singh Kharol - Blue Pottery

Vikram Singh Kharol, a 23-year-old artist from Jaipur, is deeply rooted in a generational tradition of artistic craftsmanship, with six years of experience passed down through his family in their village. Educated in Jaipur, both in school and college at Vinayak College, Vikram's passion for his craft extends beyond his familial upbringing, as he actively seeks out new perspectives and customer feedback, particularly enjoying the creative process of painting plates with various floral patterns and designs.

Inspired by the vibrant colors of nature, Vikram's work reflects his love for flowers, leaves, and petals, as he intricately weaves them into his designs. While he thrives on direct interaction with clients, the transition to online platforms post-pandemic has posed some challenges. Nevertheless, Vikram remains determined to expand his reach, aspiring to showcase his art not only across India but also on an international stage, eager for audiences abroad to witness the unique craftsmanship and beauty that India has to offer. With his sights set on growth and innovation, Vikram is poised to make a mark in the world of art, sharing his passion and creativity with audiences far and wide.

Blended unity of serenity and vigor: Blue Pottery Plates by Vikram Singh Kharol

Check out more of his work here

The stories of these artists remind us that tradition is not static, it is living, evolving and deeply personal. Across regions, mediums and generations, these young practitioners demonstrate how inherited art forms can be reimagined for the present without losing their cultural soul. By drawing from ancestral knowledge while responding to contemporary realities, they challenge the idea that traditional arts belong only to the past.

What unites these new-generation artists is not just skill, but responsibility, a conscious effort to preserve community histories, sustain and increase livelihoods and expand the relevance of their crafts in a rapidly changing world. Whether through experimentation with themes, adaptation of formats or engagement with global platforms, they are ensuring that India’s regional art traditions continue to speak to newer audiences.

As these artists navigate questions of identity, survival and innovation, they become vital cultural bridges between past and present. Their journeys affirm that the future of Indian art lies not in abandoning tradition, but in nurturing it, allowing it to grow, transform and thrive through the hands and visions of a new generation. As buyers, art-enthusiasts, artists or art-lovers, the least we can do is support them by viewing, understanding, sharing, supporting and buying their work, ensuring that our traditional arts and crafts not only survive but thrive in the present and coming times.