SANTOSH K. VERMA

Santosh Kumar Verma, born in Varanasi in 1956, is a distinguished Indian artist known for his evocative works that draw heavily on his rural upbringing. He completed his Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts from the Faculty of Visual Arts at Banaras Hindu University, where his artistic journey was shaped by the natural surroundings and the craftsmanship of local artisans in his village. The imagery of pottery and toys made by village craftspeople deeply influenced his early creative explorations, and these themes continue to resonate in his mature body of work.

Over his three-decade-long career, Verma has received several prestigious accolades, reflecting the critical recognition of his contributions to Indian art. Among his many awards, he was honoured with the National Academy Award by the Lalit Kala Akademi in 2001, and the AIFACS Award in both 2000 and 2001. He was also the recipient of the Bharat Bhawan Award in 1992 and the Sahitya Kala Parishad Award in 1995. In 2003, he was awarded a Senior Fellowship by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, further acknowledging his enduring influence in the field.

Verma has exhibited extensively throughout India, with solo shows at prominent venues such as the Dhoomimal Art Centre in New Delhi and the National Exhibition in Bangalore. His work has also been featured in numerous group exhibitions, including major showcases at Bharat Bhawan in Bhopal, AIFACS in New Delhi, and the Lalit Kala Akademi. His participation in international exhibitions includes significant contributions to the Korea-India Contemporary Art Exchange, where his work was displayed in Seoul and other prominent locations, highlighting the global appeal of his visual language.

In addition to his extensive exhibitions in India, Verma’s artworks have been showcased internationally, including in Sri Lanka and Syria, further demonstrating his ability to resonate with audiences beyond the national context. His works are part of significant collections in institutions such as the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Bharat Bhawan, Bhopal, ensuring his enduring legacy within Indian and global art circles.

Santosh Kumar Verma’s art is marked by its deep connection to the traditions of rural India. His work often features symbolic forms and motifs that reflect the artisanal culture he grew up with, while also integrating contemporary sensibilities. Through his distinctive use of colour, form, and texture, Verma bridges the gap between the past and present, creating a visual language that is at once deeply personal and universally resonant.