Rajendra Kapse

Rajendra Kapse is a Mumbai-based contemporary painter celebrated for pioneering "Funtemporary Art," a style that blends satire with theatrical visual storytelling. Drawing inspiration from mime and the humor of Charlie Chaplin, he adopts a "Funtellectual" approach to dismantle the traditional heaviness of high art. His practice frequently utilizes his own image to portray various characters, transforming the canvas into a space for satirical one-act plays. Since 1995, Kapse has established a significant presence in the Indian art scene, focusing on irony and the performative nature of identity.

Biography

Personal Profile

  • Born: 19th August 1964, Chandrapur, Maharashtra
  • Education: B.F.A. in Drawing and Painting, Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai (1995); Mime Academy, Guwahati (2008)
  • Practice: Based in Mumbai since 1995

Artistic Philosophy

Rajendra Kapse’s work is deeply influenced by the humorist approach of Charlie Chaplin and artists who use themselves as subjects across various media. He consciously avoids the "heaviness" of standard intellectualism, opting instead for an expression he terms "Funtellectual." His "Funtemporary" style draws more from theatrical presentations—including acting, posturing, and drama—than from classical tradition. By using images of his own body to play different characters, Kapse moves beyond simple self-portraiture to create satirical visuals that highlight recent developments in Indian contemporary art.

Awards & Fellowships

  • 2011: Senior Fellowship, Ministry of Culture, Government of India
  • 1998: The Bombay Art Society Award
  • 1998: State Art Exhibition Award, Nashik, Maharashtra
  • 1998: Annual Exhibition Award, Sir J.J. School of Art

Solo Exhibitions

  • 2011: FUNTELLECTUAL, Art Konsult, Delhi
  • 2008: HUMORGLOBIN, Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai
  • 2008: COOL (Dual Show), L’Inde Le Palais, Bologna, Italy
  • 2007: FUNTITLE, Arnden Gallery, London, UK
  • 2006: GODDY, Tao Art Gallery, Mumbai
  • 2004: PUN ‘N’ PUNCH, Alliance Française De Bombay, Mumbai

International Participation & Residencies

  • 2022: Mentor, 6th Istanbul Child & Youth Art Biennial, Istanbul, Turkey
  • 2019: Shanghai International Contemporary Art Exhibition and Workshop, Shanghai, China
  • 2019: 30th International Art Residencies Program & Dual Exhibition, Penza Art Gallery, Moscow, Russia
  • 2006: Kashi Café Art Residency & Group Exhibition, Cochin, Kerala

Kapse has also participated in numerous group exhibitions, art camps, and workshops across India and internationally, further developing his practice through global cultural exchange.

Selected Works By Rajendra Kapse

1 4