Bihar's Archana Shines As Her Handmade Mithila Painting Features In Japan Festival
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Archana hopes her Saharsa district earns the same recognition for Mithila paintings as Madhubani and Darbhanga, which are already known for the traditional art form
Bihar boasts an impressive array of talented artists, many of whom gain recognition beyond India's borders. Among these is Archana Mishra, a resident of Chainpur in Saharsa, whose unique paintings have garnered international acclaim. Archana's artwork is not merely a display of vibrant colours but a reflection of deep societal thoughts and feelings, making her pieces sought after worldwide.
Archana's journey with art began in childhood, and she has since mastered various techniques, including watercolour, pencil colour, and sketching. For the past decade, she has been a significant contributor to the art world. Her Mithila painting exhibition recently held at Lalit Kala Academy in both Bihar and Delhi, further showcases her talent.
With a postgraduate degree in Mathematics and Painting from the Ancient Art Centre in Chandigarh, Archana has also ventured into digital painting, receiving accolades on local, national, and international platforms. Her calendar series of digital paintings of the Ramayana is one notable success. Additionally, her handmade paintings have been sold in countries like the USA and Saudi Arabia, and she has been recognised by the International Art Gallery.
One of Archana's most significant achievements came in 2018 when her handmade Mithila painting was selected for the Japan Festival, marking a milestone in her artistic career. Archana's aspiration is for her Saharsa district to gain recognition for Mithila paintings, similar to the fame enjoyed by Madhubani and Darbhanga. She hopes that future artists from her region will receive prestigious honours such as the National Award and Padmashree.
Currently residing in Faridabad, Archana credits her father, Manoj Kumar Mishra, her husband, Akash Bhardwaj, and her in-laws, Kiran Chaudhary and Anil Chaudhary, for their unwavering support, which has been crucial to her success. She emphasises the importance of spousal support in empowering married women, contributing to her remarkable artistic journey.
First Published:
May 21, 2025, 11:25 IST
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