About Vivek Kumavat
Vivek Kumavat brings to life the sacred and symbolic through his devoted exploration of the Nandi bull calf - a creature he sees as the embodiment of strength, devotion, and peace. Raised in a small town where domesticated animals were part of daily life, Vivek developed a lifelong fascination with the bull, drawn to its physical endurance, gentle spirit, and deep-rooted significance in Hindu mythology.
Within the silhouette of a joyful, dancing Nandi, Vivek intricately paints entire mythological narratives: tales of Shiva’s marriage to Parvati, the creation of Ganesh, and the sacred bond between Shiva and his gatekeeper, Nandi.
These stories are not laid out as literal illustrations, but rather unfold gradually across the body of the bull, revealed through countless miniature figures and vignettes. His work draws on Pattachitra, the traditional scroll-painting form of Odisha and Bengal, using fine brushes to capture detailed folklore within contemporary forms.
For Vivek, painting Nandi is an act of homage, a way to channel childhood wonder, cultural memory, and spiritual inquiry into a vivid, living language of art. His bulls, with their noble gestures and prancing bodies, echo human resilience and joy.
Academics
1996 - ATD from Khiroda Jalgaon2001 - BFA from J.J School of Art Mumbai
Awards and recognition
1997 2nd prize for Poster Competition in Tiger Sport Club Parel1997 Art Society of India Award-Best landscape1996 2nd prize for Sketch, Lalit Kala Bhavan, Kuroda, Jalgaon1995 1st prize for landscape, Lalit Kala Bhavan, Kuroda, Jalgaon
Collections
Private Collections: His works are housed in several prestigious private collections both in India and internationally.Museum Collections: Selected pieces from Vivek Kumavat’s work are part of the permanent collections at the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, and other reputed art institutions.Corporate Collections: Vivek's paintings are also featured in prominent corporate offices and art collections, showcasing his cultural relevance in contemporary spaces.Cultural Institutions: His artworks have been displayed in numerous cultural and religious institutions, reflecting the deep connection between his art and Indian heritage.
