Indian Contemporary Artist Pulakesh Mandal

Pulakesh Mandal

Born in 1972 in West Bengal, Pulakesh Mandal is a distinguished self-taught artist who refined his craft under the guidance of Bhaskar Paul. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has transitioned from an emerging talent in 2006 to an internationally recognized figure in the contemporary art world. His evocative works, ranging from portraits to creative compositions, have earned him prestigious accolades from the Ministry of Culture and various global foundations.

Biography

Pulakesh Mandal began his formal journey into the arts at the Shailpic Art Coaching Centre. His evolution as an artist is marked by a deep exploration of nature and human emotion, leading to his inclusion in the Benetton Foundation’s "Imago Mundi Project" and the book Flowering Cultures - Contemporary Artists from India. With four solo shows and over fifty group exhibitions to his name, his work is held in esteemed private and institutional collections across India, Singapore, Europe, and North America.

Awards & Honors

  • 2024: Rabindra Ratna Award (Veyil Foundation)
  • 2022: Indian Icon Award (U.S. Art Gallery)
  • 2022: Bharat Jyoti Mvla Rashtrya Ratna Award
  • 2017: Kshitij Alankaar Award (Kshitij Art Society, Gurgaon)
  • 2015: Certificate of Merit, 28th National Exhibition of Contemporary Art (Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)
  • 2015: Bhumi Ratnna (Kalikakundu Swamiji Seba Samiti, West Bengal)
  • 1990: Best Creative Work (West Bengal)
  • 1989: Best Portrait - Satyajeet Roy (West Bengal)
  • 1988: Best Drawing (West Bengal)

Solo & Dual Exhibitions

  • 2024: Boundless Emotions, Gallery One, Gurgaon (Solo)
  • 2017: The 3000 Realms of Nature and I, Lokayata Art Gallery, New Delhi (Solo)
  • 2016: Summer Duet, Art Laureate, New Delhi (Dual)
  • 2012: Artfull Evolution, Hilton Garden Inn, New Delhi (Solo)
  • 2011: Art Maestros, New Delhi (Solo)
  • 2007: Titled Untitled, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi (Dual)
  • 2005: Shanta Art Gallery, New Delhi (Dual)

Selected Group Exhibitions & Participations

  • 2026: Suno Mujhse Main, Gallery Artcradil, Gurgaon
  • 2025: White on White, Musco Camera Gallery, Gurgaon
  • 2025: Unbound Emotions, Visual Art Gallery, New Delhi
  • 2024: The Winds of Change, Bikaner House, New Delhi
  • 2024: Saffron Art Auction
  • 2023: The Palette of Emotion, ITC Rajputana, Jaipur & Nirvana Courtyard, Gurgaon
  • 2013: Luciano Benetton Collection Show, Vienna, Austria
  • 2011/13/14/15/17: Annual All India Art Exhibition (AIFACS), New Delhi
  • 2006: 6/6 Group Show, Gallery One, Gurgaon (Debut)

Art Camps & Workshops

  • 2017: A Meeting of Minds, Gallery One, Kaithlighat, Shimla
  • 2016: Simhastha Mahakumbha, Ujjain (Ministry of Culture)
  • 2016: No War: The World is One Family, Lokayata Art Gallery, New Delhi
  • 2009/10: All India Spring Art Camp, Dhanbad Forest Division, Jharkhand