Dileep Sharma

Dileep Sharma, born in 1974 in Mandawar, Rajasthan, is a contemporary Indian artist known for his sharp, satirical take on global culture, consumerism, and socio-political issues. He initially pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting at the Rajasthan School of Art, Jaipur, before specializing in Printmaking with a Master of Fine Arts from Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai.

Sharma’s work is defined by bold colors, fragmented imagery, and a playful yet critical engagement with mass media, advertisements, and popular culture. He often employs an alter ego, "Kunwarji," a recurring character that embodies themes of heritage, tradition, and modernity clashing in a hyper-commercialized world. His compositions, rich with references to fashion, pop culture, and traditional Indian motifs, reflect the absurdity of contemporary consumer culture.

Over the years, Sharma has received numerous accolades, including the Bendre-Husain Scholarship (2001) and a National Lalit Kala Academy scholarship (2000). His work has been exhibited in major international events, such as the Kochi International Triennial Exhibitions of Prints in Japan and the International Biennial of Print at Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal. In 2008, he won the prestigious "ASIA BELT" award at the Seoul International Print and Photo Art Fair.

Sharma has held solo exhibitions across India, including “Valley of Flowers” at the Institute of Contemporary Indian Art, Mumbai, in 2016, and “Kunwarji’s Ground” at Bose Pacia, Kolkata, in 2010. His work has also been featured in various group exhibitions worldwide. In recognition of his contributions to contemporary art, he was awarded a Senior Fellowship by the Government of India in 2019. He currently lives and works in Mumbai, continuing to push the boundaries of printmaking and contemporary visual storytelling.