Artists

Born in 1983 in North India’s Mithila region, famous for its ancient mural traditions and contemporary artists, Naresh Paswan belongs to the region’s Dalit community (formerly known as “untouchables”). After centuries of being ostracized and marginalized, Dalit culture and art are now receiving overdue attention and appreciation. Naresh Paswan’s work draws from ancient mural traditions and lived cultural memory. His meticulously detailed depictions of Indian deities, rituals, and wildlife reflect a heritage that is now receiving its long-overdue recognition on the global art stage. Naresh’s meticulously detailed depictions of Indian deities, rituals and wildlife are being added to the collections of prominent connoisseurs and institutions across Europe and America, including San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum and Princeton University.

Sandeep Dhurve’s artistic talent was evident from an early age, when his drawing skills set him apart from his classmates. Fascinated by the natural world, he spent countless hours exploring the lives of wild animals, birds, and marine creatures through documentaries, photographs, and online resources. Their unique forms, colors, and behaviors continue to inspire his work. His artistic journey was shaped by the guidance of his father, Suresh Dhurve, and further enriched through the two-year Project Tarasha program, where he developed a deeper understanding of wildlife and nature-based art. This experience encouraged him to translate his observations into vivid and imaginative paintings. In 2024, Sandeep held his first solo exhibition at the Bangalore International Centre. His work Two Worlds of My Childhood reflects the influence of both Bhopal, where he lives, and Patangarh, his grandmother’s village. Memories of village life, farming, and caring for animals remain a lasting source of inspiration throughout his art.

Suresh Kumar Dhurve is one of the leading contemporary Gond artists from Madhya Pradesh, celebrated for his distinctive visual language rooted in the traditions of the Pardhan Gond community. Encouraged early in his artistic journey by the legendary Jangarh Singh Shyam, Dhurve has developed a deeply personal style that blends Gond folklore, mythology, and a profound reverence for nature.
His paintings are renowned for their intricate patterns, rhythmic linework, and expressive depictions of birds, trees, animals, rivers, and tribal deities. Birds, in particular, have become a recurring motif in his work, symbolising memory, harmony, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Through vibrant colours and meticulous detailing, Dhurve transforms traditional Gond narratives into compelling contemporary artworks that resonate with audiences across cultures.
His work has been exhibited widely in India and internationally, including a landmark solo exhibition at Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal in 2007. Today, his paintings are held in prominent collections and continue to play an important role in preserving and evolving the rich visual heritage of Gond art for future generations.