Harsha Basu

Art specialisms: Illustration ,Painting

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UPCOMING
Amersham Art Unlocked (2 Nov 2024)
Chiltern Made Craft Fair (30 Nov 2024)

PAST
Amersham Festival of Arts 2019/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024
Southwark Park Galleries Annual Open Exhibition 2017

NEWS

The friendship project:
https://www.whizzfizzfest.org.uk/whats-ton/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/

A gift to the queen:
https://www.asian-voice.com/News/UK/A-gift-to-the-Queen

‘Project Jayantee’ to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee:
https://www.asian-voice.com/News/UK/%E2%80%98Project-Jayantee%E2%80%99-to-celebrate-Her-Majesty-the-Queen%E2%80%99s-Platinum-Jubilee

A very special way to celebrate the older people in our lives:
https://www.asian-voice.com/Culture/Art/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:
https://www.asian-voice.com/News/UK/A-%E2%80%98sankalp%E2%80%99-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/iplayer/episode/m001w309/escape-to-the-country-series-24-29-buckinghamshire-borders

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 details:

harshabasupaintings@gmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/harshabasupaintings/
https://www.facebook.com/harshabasupaintings/