Harsha Basu
Art Forms
Illustration, Painting
Exhibition and News
EXHIBITIONS
Destination Amersham, Amersham Museum (Feb-July 2026): https://amershammuseum.org/events/exhibitions/
Wendover Arts Festival (23-25 May 2026): https://wendover-arts-festival.co.uk/meet-the-artists/
Pop-up Art Weekend, Chilterns Neuro Centre (7 & 8th March 2026)
Amersham Art Unlocked (2025, 2024)
Chiltern Made Craft Fair (2025)
Amersham Festival of Arts (2024-2022, 2019)
Southwark Park Galleries Annual Open Exhibition (2017)
NEWS
Prep Students create Indian Folk art:
https://www.piperscorner.co.uk/news/2025-06-16/prep-students-create-indian-folk-art
The friendship project:
https://youngcreativebucks.org/2023/07/12/whizzfizzfest-the-friendship-project/
https://www.cue34theatrecompany.co.uk/the-friendship-project
Jubilee colouring page ’empowers’ through art:
https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/20178123.jubilee-colouring-page-empowers-art/
Project Jayantee’ to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee:
A very special way to celebrate the older people in our lives:
A ‘sankalp’ to take Hanuman Chalisa and Sri Ramraksha Stotram to 100 houses in the UK:
BBC Three Counties Radio:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0c77yg2
BBC Escape to the Country ( Short & sweet at 2:09):
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001w309
Biography
Harsha is a folk artist inspired by one of the oldest traditional art forms from India called Madhubani Art. Being an emotional, middle girl child in a traditional Indian household, she – unwittingly – used painting as therapy since she was a little girl, i.e. before terms like ‘art therapy’ and ‘mindfulness’ became rife. Her father had a bookshop. Illustrations are one thing that impressed her mind so much that she successfully used their magic for quite a few years making children books while working in the publishing industry, after studying literature at the university. Art came to her rescue as a new mother when she struggled to find time to be with herself, doing something fulfilling but totally undemanding. That was the time when she actually became alert to how important ‘being creative’ is and what wonders it has done for her mental health in the growing-up years.
Harsha learnt Madhubani Art under the guidance of two traditional artists, along with conducting her own extensive research on its cultural and historic aspects and practising for years. She has a deep appreciation for this unpretentious art form as the stories it tells are already a part of her culture – something she takes real pride in. The forgiving and vibrant nature of Madhubani Art, and the idea that it originated amongst a group of women to express their feelings and individuality is its most attractive aspect. Its simplicity and compassionate nature has helped Harsha tell stories – both that surround her and that dwell inside her heart, and thereby resolve or express difficult or beautiful thoughts. Its repetitive and intricate quality has helped Harsha meditate, re-charge and regain focus.
‘I find creating these paintings and gazing at the gorgeous details of the complete work meditative and therapeutic. My artwork helps me stay sane and patient. I hope you will find my work stimulating as that is what my aim is – to empower and get empowered.’
Keeping in view the unlimited joy and satisfaction Harsha has gained while practicing Madhubani art, she is now on a mission to encourage and inspire everyone to make art a part of their life. She actively encourages people from all age groups and genders to spend some time away from screens or being ‘productive’ and ‘useful’, and delve into whatever thoughts come and go. She loves working with the community and has been a part of numerous projects involving schools, museums and other community organisations.
‘Madhubani Art is self-healing. Come experience it.’
ABOUT MADHUBANI ART
Madhubani Art is one of the most celebrated ancient folk art forms from the Mithila region of Bihar (India) and parts of Nepal. It is also called Mithila Art. This humble art form is known for its intricate designs, vibrant colours and rich cultural significance – often depicting themes from nature, mythology and daily life. Practiced, preserved and progressed mainly by women, Mithila art is not just a visual art form; it is deeply embedded in the cultural and social fabric of the Mithila region. A true Mithila artist never says, ‘I am painting’, but ‘I am writing’, as they use art to tell stories and as a means of self-expression and relaxation.
Contact
harshabasupaintings@gmail.com
Get in touch
Art Weeks Venue
Harsha Basu
