Ravikumar Kashi Artist, Writer, Educator

Profile — Ravikumar Kashi

Portrait of Ravikumar Kashi in his studio

Image credits - Philipe Calia for the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP)

Ravikumar Kashi (b. 1968, Bangalore) is a distinguished contemporary Indian artist known for his interdisciplinary approach to art. Holding degrees in Painting, Printmaking, and English Literature, and trained in handmade papermaking in the UK and Korea, Kashi uniquely blends intellectual rigor with artistic practice.

His work fundamentally explores the mechanics of meaning-making, inviting viewers into a layered dialogue. Kashi employs diverse mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, artist’s books and installation, with a notable emphasis on paper. He works with paper, not on paper - transforming pulp into intricate, three-dimensional forms that challenge conventional perceptions of the material.

A central theme is the visual manifestation of language, where script becomes a tactile, sculptural element rather than mere text, blurring the lines between art and literature. Kashi also critically examines modernization and urban experiences, drawing inspiration from contemporary media and culture. The interplay of light and shadow is crucial in his sculptural pieces, adding depth and dynamism.

Beyond his studio, Kashi is a prolific writer and educator, disseminating his insights through publications and lectures. His ability to articulate complex ideas across visual and written forms establishes him as a significant voice in the Indian art world, continually pushing artistic boundaries.

Education
  • 1968Born in Bangalore.
  • 1988Completed B.F.A. (Painting) - College of Fine Arts, Bangalore.
  • 1990Completed M.F.A. (Print making), Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S. University, Baroda.
  • 1995Completed M.A. English - Mysore University.
  • 2001Studied handmade papermaking under J Parry at the Papermaking Resource, Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, UK, with a grant from the Charles Wallace India Trust.
  • 2009Learnt Hanji - traditional Korean paper making from Jang Yong Hoon and Seong Woo at Jang Ji Bang, South Korea. Residency funded by INKO Centre, Chennai.
Awards
  • 2024Selected as a semifinalist in The MCBA BOOK ART PRIZE awarded by Minnesota Centre for Book Arts, U.S.A.
  • 2023Research grant from India Foundation for Arts (IFA) to study the statues of Bangalore along with Salila Vanka and Madhuri Rao.
  • 2022Selected as a semifinalist in The MCBA BOOK ART PRIZE awarded by Minnesota Centre for Book Arts, U.S.A.
  • 2020Selected as one of the five Finalists in The MCBA BOOK ART PRIZE awarded by Minnesota Centre for Book Arts, U.S.A.
  • 2017First prize in 'Ventipertrenta', International Festival of Digital Art 2017, Museo Internazionale Dinamico de Arte Contemporanea, Italy.
  • 2016Digital photography award, 'Ventipertrenta', International Festival of Digital Art, Museo Internazionale Dinamico de Arte Contemporanea, Italy.
  • 2015Karnataka Sahitya Academy award for book 'Kannele'.
  • 2013Book 'Anukta' awarded 'Pustaka Sogasu' prize given by Kannada Book Authority.
  • 2001Charles Wallace India Trust award for short-term study in the UK.
  • 2000Exhibition 2000 conducted by Karnataka Shilpa Kala Academy in coordination with Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi in Bangalore; 'Kejriwal Young Artist Award' given by Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat; National Award in 42nd National Exhibition conducted by Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi.
  • 1999Karnataka Lalit Kala Academy Annual Exhibition Award.
  • 1990Karnataka Lalit Kala Academy Annual Exhibition Award. Gadgil Memorial Award, Bombay Art Society exhibition.
  • 1988College of Fine Arts, Annual Exhibition Award. Gold medal from Bangalore University.
Solo Shows
  • 2025'We don't end at our edges'. Museum of Art and Photography, MAP, Bangalore.
  • 2023'Shadows Left Behind', 1 Shanti Road Studio Gallery, Bangalore.
  • 2021'The Unruly Syntax', solo show of paintings, Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore.
  • 2020'Engaging with Gandhi', online solo show with Anupa Mehta Arts, in The Art Platform of India (TAP).
  • 2018'Silent Echo', Sakshi Gallery, Mumbai; 'Path to Harmony', MIDAC Museo, Belforte del Chienti, Italy.
  • 2016'Silent Echo', Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore.
  • 2013'Remembered Abstraction', Hacienda Art Gallery, Mumbai; 'Remembered Abstraction', Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore.
  • 2010Game, edited by Ranjit Hoskote. Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore & Chennai; Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai.
  • 2007'City without end', Aicon Gallery, Palo Alto, California, U.S.A.; 'Any moment now', Air Gallery, London; 'Any moment now', Shcontemporary 07, Shanghai, China (Best of Discovery section).
  • 2006'City without end', Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore and Chennai.
  • 2005'Pause', 1 Shanti road Studio Gallery, Bangalore.
  • 2002'Desire in August', Vadehra Art Gallery, New Delhi; 'Made in Glasgow', The British Council, Chennai; Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore; Daira Art Gallery, Hyderabad.
  • 2001'Tonight at 9 p.m.', Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore; 'One is not enough', Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow.
  • 2000'Shifting Periphery', Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai.
  • 1999'Shifting Periphery', Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore.
  • 1997Venkatappa Art Gallery, Bangalore; Crimson Art Resource, Bangalore; Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai.
  • 1994Venkatappa Art Gallery, Bangalore; Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai.
  • 1991Glass paintings and prints, Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai.
Selected Curated / Group Shows
  • 2025'Lost In Translation', curated by Tunty Chauhan, Threshold Gallery, Delhi; 'Expanding Horizons', curated by Ina Puri, Gallery Ragini, Delhi.
  • 2024'ON PAPER OF PAPER', curated by Ankon Mitra, India Design ID, New Delhi; 'Measuring Life with Coffee Spoons', APRE Art House, Mumbai; MCBA Book Art Prize Exhibition, Minnesota, USA; DTALE ARCHIST II, Gallery DTale Archist, Bangalore.
  • 2023PAPER — A CROSS-CULTURAL VOICE, curated by Anne Vilsboll, Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum, Ahmedabad; 'Living A Dark Night', curated by Paula Sen Gupta, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore; 'On A Pedestal', with Salila Vanka and Madhuri Rao, Rangoli Metro Art Center, Bangalore; Art Mumbai, Gallery Sumukha booth.
  • 2022PAPER — A CROSS-CULTURAL VOICE, curated by Anne Vilsboll, KunstCentret Silkeborg Bad, Denmark; MCBA Book Art Prize Exhibition, Minnesota, USA; 'Memory, Roots and Desires', Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore; 'Gandhi's Keepers', Aicon Contemporary, New York; Seattle Art Fair, Gallery Sumukha booth.
  • 2021'The Living a Dark Night Project', Kala Chaupal, Gurugram; International Biennial Paper Fiber Art 2021–22, NTCRI, Taiwan; 'To Have and To Hold', Reed Contemporary Books, Bath, U.K.
  • 2020The Drawing Show — part II, Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore; online show with Shantamani, Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore; exhibition with the Hyderabad Literature Festival, curated by Lina Vincent; MCBA Prize Exhibition, Minnesota Centre for Book Arts, USA.
  • 2019India Art Fair, represented by Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore; 'Hanji Translated', curated by Nirmal Raja, InKo Centre, Chennai; 'Éllipsis, Between Word and Image', curated by Rahaab Allana, Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur; 'Making Art: Materials and Technique', Piramal Museum, Mumbai; 8th International Artist's Book Triennial, Vilnius/Lithuania; 'Look Stranger', curated by Rahaab Allana, Serendipity Art Festival, Goa.
Illustrated Lectures, Talks & Workshops
  • 2025Panel discussion on Book Arts, with H A Anilkumar and Jayasimha C; panel discussion on Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore International Centre; conversations with Rucha Vibhute, Mamta Sagar and Arundhati Nag at the Museum of Art and Photography, Bangalore; recycled papermaking workshop, MAP, Bangalore; Visual Creativity workshop, Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts.
  • 2024Presentation on art appreciation at Ranga Shankara; panel discussion on S.G. Vasudev at BIC; 'A Shift in Perspectives — Words to Visuals', Book Brahma Lit Fest; panel discussion on Printmaking, MAP Museum; presentation on Bangalore Visual Culture, Srishti Manipal Institute.
  • 2023Panel discussion on Women of Vastukala, Designuru, IID, Bangalore; 'The Public in Public Art' panel, IFA, Bangalore; Visual Creativity workshop, Sunaparanta Goa; handmade papermaking workshops at RV University and Atelier Prati; Gallery Walk, MAP, Bangalore; '12 Layers of Hanji' video on the Hanji papermaking process, supported by INKO Centre, Chennai.
  • 2022Illustrated slide lecture, Eclectic Encounters, Bangalore; handmade paper making workshop for conservation experts at MAP, Bangalore; panel discussion and gallery walk for the Yusuf Arakkal retrospective, NGMA, Bangalore.
  • 202115 videos titled 'Engaging with Visuals' on art appreciation, plus two videos on handmade papermaking (English and Kannada), produced with the Foundation for Indian Art and Education (FIAE), supported by the Mrinalini Mukherjee Foundation; 'Installation Art' workshop, Srishti Institute; talks on 'Visual City' at Manipal Academy of Higher Education and Head Start Educational Academy.
  • 2019Handmade papermaking workshop, Piramal Museum, Mumbai; illustrated lectures on Art Appreciation at Bangalore International Centre and the Rotary Club of Bangalore; 'Garden of Forking Paths' workshop, Piramal Residency, Mumbai; talk on 'Publishing in an Expanded Field', Gallery ARK, Baroda.
Teaching
  • 2025Teaching as adjunct faculty at RV College of Architecture, Bangalore.
  • 2024Taught as Associate Professor (tenured) at Nitte School of Architecture, Planning and Design.
  • 2023Taught as adjunct faculty at RV College of Architecture; taught open course on Art Appreciation for PG students in Azim Premji University.
  • 2020Teaching as adjunct faculty at RV College of Architecture; teaching open course on Art Appreciation for PG students in Azim Premji University.
  • 2019Taught as adjunct faculty at RV College of Architecture.
  • 2018Taught as adjunct faculty at RV College of Architecture, Acharya School of Design; taught open course on Art Appreciation for PG students in Azim Premji University.
  • 2015–2017Worked as Associate Professor at CMR University School of Architecture in Bangalore.
  • 2013–2015Worked as Associate Professor at R.V. School of Architecture, Bangalore.
  • 2011–2012Worked as visiting faculty at R.V. School of Architecture, Bangalore.
  • 2004–2005Worked as Academic Adviser to Tech Art, Centre for Visual Arts, Sri Bhagavan Mahaveer Jain College, Bangalore.
  • 2004Worked as visiting faculty at Department of Visual Arts, Bangalore University.
  • 1997–2004Worked as visiting faculty in RV College of Engineering, Department of Architecture.
  • 1994–1996Worked as faculty in RV College of Engineering, Department of Architecture.
Writing
  • 2019'Flexing Muscles', a bilingual book with text in English and Kannada, published by Reliable Copy (September 2019).
  • 2012Two Kannada books, 'Anukta' and 'Kannele', written on art, published by Akshara Prakashana, Heggodu (November 2012).
  •  'Anukta' was awarded the 'Pustaka Sogasu' prize by the Kannada Book Authority in February 2013; 'Kannele' was awarded by the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi.
  • 2009–2011Wrote a monthly column, Anukta, on engaging with art, in the Kannada monthly magazine Mayura, for two years.
  •  Wrote a weekly column, Art of the Week, for 16 months in The Times of India, Bangalore edition.
  •  Wrote interview-based articles in Deccan Herald on Indian artists Rini Dhumal, Paramjit Singh, R.B. Bhaskaran, Chitrovanu Mazumdar, Akbar Padamsee, Yusuf Arakkal, S G Vasudev and German video artist Norbert Meissner, and articles on other art-related issues.
  • 1987–2001Contributed as co-editor of the Kannada art and culture magazine Sanchaya.
  •  Written two books, on 'Pop Art' and 'Printmaking', and other articles for the Karnataka Lalit Kala Academy and various publications.
  •  Presented papers at various seminars in Karnataka and Kerala; given lectures on radio and talks on television.
  • 2018Wrote a column for thegoodstate.com.
Research Projects
  •  'Narratives of Visual Culture and Spatial Politics — A study of public statues and sculptures in post-1990s Bangalore', a 14-month research project with Salila Vanka and Madhuri Rao, documenting and analysing the statues and sculptures of Bangalore city, supported by the India Foundation For Arts (IFA), Bangalore. The project concluded in an exhibition titled 'On a Pedestal' at Metro Art Gallery in May 2023.
Other Engagements
  •  Serving as a member of the Governing Body of College of Fine Arts, Bangalore.
  •  Served as a member of the committee formed by the Dept. of Education for restructuring the curriculum of art schools in Karnataka.
  •  Served as a nominated member in the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi.
  •  Served as a jury member — 47th National Exhibition of Art.
  • 2010–2012Served as apex committee member, NGMA.
  •  Served on the advisory committee of Venkatappa Art Gallery, Bangalore.
  •  Involved in 'Ananya Drushya', an artists' initiative, in its formative years.
  • 2017Coordinator of the 'National Conclave of Visual Art Writers in Indian Languages'.
  •  Served as a member of the Board of Studies, College of Fine Arts, Bangalore.
  •  Serving as a member of the Board of Studies, Bangalore University, Bangalore.
  •  Serving as a member of Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath.
  •  Member, Evaluation Panel of Arts Research Programme, IFA.
  •  Jury member — 48th Annual Exhibition, Karnataka Lalitakala Academy.
Collection
  •  Works are held in the collections of the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP), Bangalore; the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), Delhi; ARK Museum, Baroda; Devi Art Foundation, Delhi; and the Princeton University Library — Special Artists' Book Collection.