Important Notice

Born in Bastar, Central India, in 1972, Raj Kumar is part of a contemporary movement of tribal or 'adivasi' artists seeking to bring contemporary folk and tribal art into the mainstream, and eliminate the different standards the craftspeople and other contemporary artists are held to.

Raj Kumar is closely involved with Shilpa Gram Studios, an artistic space sponsored by the Indian Foundation for the Arts, where tribal and city...
Born in Bastar, Central India, in 1972, Raj Kumar is part of a contemporary movement of tribal or 'adivasi' artists seeking to bring contemporary folk and tribal art into the mainstream, and eliminate the different standards the craftspeople and other contemporary artists are held to.

Raj Kumar is closely involved with Shilpa Gram Studios, an artistic space sponsored by the Indian Foundation for the Arts, where tribal and city artists work together, learning about each other's practices. It was at Shilpa Gram that Raj Kumar took a formal sculpting course.

The artist has also collaborated with Mumbai based artist Navjot Altaf, known for her dedication to the cause of adivasi artists. From this interaction, Raj Kumar learnt that his art need not be created based on the dictates of the market, and that his own artistic calling must be identified and responded to through his body of work.

Raj Kumar's work, both painting and sculpture, is deeply rooted in his community's folklore and artistic traditions, but is also responsive to contemporary concerns that they face on a daily basis. His works have been featured in several exhibitions across the world, including a solo show at Sakshi Gallery, Mumbai, in 2007, and the survey show 'Edge of Desire' at the Asia Society Museum and Queens Museum of Art, New York, in 2005.

The artist lives and works in Kondagaon, Chhatisgarh.

Read More
Other works of this artist in: this auction  |  entire site