Manikchand Mahto

Introduction

Manikchand Mahto, a 32-year-old artist specializing in Sohrai and Khovar art forms, hails from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, where he has been practicing his craft for the past 8 to 10 years, drawing inspiration from his mother and carrying on the tradition within his entire family. With his schooling completed in Jharkhand, Manikchand has expanded his artistic horizons through various workshops and programs across the country, imparting his knowledge to college students in places like NIT Patna, Chapra, and Shivan, and participating in events such as Lalit Kala Academy programs in cities like Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, Kolkata, and Delhi.

Manikchand's artworks, displayed prominently even in prestigious locations like Sansad Bhawan in Delhi, are a testament to his dedication to capturing the essence of nature and traditional motifs on handmade canvases. Inspired by the sights and sounds of his surroundings, he finds beauty in the rocks and flora, translating them into mesmerizing paintings featuring elements like tigers, Pashupatinath, flowers, and peacocks. Despite facing challenges like language barriers and limited market demand, Manikchand remains hopeful for opportunities to showcase his art internationally, believing that his unique perspective on nature-inspired art can resonate with audiences far beyond his homeland.