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Avinash Karn

Avinash Karn, born in 1990 in Ranti village of Madhubani, Bihar, grew up immersed in the visual world of Mithila painting. As a child, he assisted his family in filling colours on motifs drawn on walls and papers, gradually developing his own artistic language. Though he later trained in Sculpture at Banaras Hindu University, his practice has been shaped foremost by lived experience, community knowledge, and a desire to expand the boundaries of inherited techniques.

Avinash’s work remains rooted in Madhubani aesthetics while engaging with contemporary subjects. His Cityscape series brings the language of Mithila into the dense urban environment of Mumbai, portraying everyday life with honesty and immediacy. Growing up in a matriarchal household shaped his sensitivity toward themes of gender, birth, and the body. His representations of women and androgynous forms emphasise dignity, inner strength, and the creative force of life.

A defining contribution to his practice has been the introduction of clay-coated jute as a painting surface, an innovation developed after years of material experimentation. His Nataraja series on this medium received strong recognition, showcased at the India Art Fair and later attracting a high bid at a Story Ltd auction, affirming its significance in his repertoire.

Community engagement remains central to Avinash’s work. His murals in Chandidih village, Jharkhand—created in collaboration with Artreach India—depicted local stories, everyday struggles, and particularly the burdens borne by rural women. These murals were later featured in Discovery Channel’s #IndiaMyWay.

In 2025, Avinash stepped into a new role as curator with his debut exhibition Daivatvam, a landmark show exploring divinity across three generations of Mithila artists. The exhibition illuminated how tradition, experimentation, and personal vision continue to shape this evolving art form, while also underscoring Avinash’s commitment to mentoring younger artists.

Working from his studio ArtBole in Ranti, he continues to create, teach, and redefine the contemporary identity of Madhubani painting.

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