introduction

Monalisa Sarkar Mitra
Monalisa Sarkar Mitra is a talented and accomplished artist from West Bengal, born in 1982. She has a Diploma in Fine Art from Kolkata and a Bachelor's degree in Commerce (Honours). Her passion for art has led her to participate in numerous exhibitions throughout the country, including prestigious venues such as the Academy of Fine Arts and Birla Academy of Art & Culture in Kolkata, Jehangir Art gallery Mumbai, Lalitkala Academy Delhi, Birla Art And Crafts gallery Kolkata and Shailja Art Gallery in Gurgaon. Monalisa's art has also been showcased internationally, including at the Russian House in Kolkata and Nehru Centre Art Gallery in Mumbai. She has received several accolades for her work, including the 'Aparajita' award by Sanmarg in 2024. Her artwork has been selected for various collections in India, UK, USA, and Dubai.
Monalisa's talent and dedication have also been recognized through her inclusion in international shows such as the International Creative Collaboration for Tolerance and Peace Exhibition, International Women Art Exhibition (I am Artist), and Blue Lotus Magazine issue 53 by Martin Bradley. Monalisa's work is a reflection of her passion and vision, making her a prominent name in the world of art.
“Her Arts include penkari, kashidakari, kantha etc which Monalisa has tried to give a new life through her paintings. The appearance of cows, ducks and rabbits etc in their paintings expresses narrative detail as well as a sense of coexistence.” (Ved Prakash Bhardwaj)
“I had the privilege of mentoring Monalisa in 7th standard in Dhanbad, where I taught art. Even then, her sincerity, eagerness to learn, and mastery of techniques stood out. Though it was her early stage, her potential was evident. Fast-forward to today, I'm thrilled to see Monalisa flourish as a professional artist, continually updating herself with contemporary art trends. What more impressive is her ability to balance family life and professional pursuits, a testament to her leadership qualities.” (Asit Kumar Patnaik)
मोनालिसा की अंतरात्मा की आवाज उनसे हमेशा कहती थी कि उनको एक कलाकार बनना चाहिए. पक्षियों के गायन के बीच पहाड़ियों में पली बढ़ी, मोनालिसा को छोटी उम्र से ही अपने परिवेश से प्रेरणा मिली. अब प्रकृति और संगीत के प्रति उनका प्रेम उनकी कला के माध्यम से झलकता है. उतने ही लगाव से वे महिलाओं को सशक्त बनाने में लगी हैं. पहले अपने घर से ही और अब अपने स्वयं के कला स्कूल के माध्यम और NGO के समर्थन से महिलाओ को शिल्प सीखा कर उनका उत्थान कर रही हैं. उनका लक्ष्य ऐसे विकास और सशक्तिकरण को बढ़ावा देना है, जहाँ महिलाओ को अपने जूनून को आगे बढ़ाने, बढ़ाओँ से पार पाने, और अपने सपनो को साकार करने के लिए प्रेरित किया जाये.
Artist Statement
I am from West Bengal, and I have a Diploma in Fine Art from Kolkata and a Bachelor's degree in Commerce (Honours). My love for art has been a constant passion. I have had the opportunity to showcase my artwork at prestigious venues such as the Academy of Fine Arts and Birla Academy of Art & Culture in Kolkata and Nehru Centre Art Gallery in Mumbai. My work has also been recognized internationally, with exhibitions at the Russian House in Kolkata. For me, the creative process is deeply intertwined with my love for nature, animals, and birds. Being an avid nature lover, I often spend time with animals and birds, trying to understand their emotions and behaviors. This not only adds a personal touch to my paintings but also allows me to capture the true essence of these creatures. Moreover, music plays a significant role in inspiring my artwork. Many times, I find myself drawn towards a particular song or melody that evokes strong emotions within me, which I then translate onto the canvas. By incorporating these elements into my work, I am able to create pieces that are not only visually appealing but also have a deeper meaning and connection to my personal experiences and surroundings.

Background

Monalisa Sarkar Mitra is a highly talented and accomplished artist hailing from the culturally rich state of West Bengal. Born in 1982, she has established herself as a prominent contemporary artist in the Indian art scene. With her unique and creative approach, Monalisa has garnered recognition and appreciation for her exceptional works of art. She is known for her distinct style and mastery in various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and installations. In addition to her contemporary art, she is also renowned for her expertise in jamdani traditional designing. Her intricate designs and attention to detail have earned her a reputation as one of the foremost jamdani designers in the country. Through her art, Monalisa beautifully captures the essence of both modernity and tradition, making her a truly versatile and remarkable artist. With her incredible talent and dedication to her craft, Monalisa Sarkar Mitra continues to inspire and awe art enthusiasts both in India and around the world.
Creative Process
Painting is a form of expression for me, and every time I start a new canvas, I take a moment to pause and connect with my thoughts. Being deeply in love with nature, animals, and birds, I often spend time observing them and trying to understand their emotions. This connection with nature and its creatures becomes an integral part of my creative process. After getting inspired by my surroundings, I begin to create rough layouts on the canvas, trying to capture the essence of what I have observed. But sometimes, it is not just nature that moves me; music also plays a significant role in my work. The melodies and rhythms of music can evoke powerful emotions within me, which I aim to translate onto my canvas. By infusing my love for nature, animals, and music into my paintings, I hope to bring a sense of beauty and emotion to my art that can resonate with others.

Recent Art Works

Symbiotic connection
Art Type: Acrylics on canvas
Size : 36″ x 24″

Song of Nature
Art Type: Acrylics on canvas
Size : 36″ x 30″

Untitled
Art Type: Mixed Media on Canvas
Size :24”×36” inches

Untitled
Art Type: Acrylics on Canvas
Size : 18”×18” inches

Expression
Art Type: Acrylics on canvas
Size : 12″ x 12″
Testimonials
A defining feature of Monalisa's art is her ability to gain power through simplicity. Her subjects pay more attention to women's lives but at the same time she appears to preserve the arts that have been an essential part of Indian life.
As her teacher, I'm proud that she still values my guidance. Monalisa's journey inspires future women artists to break societal barriers. Her dedication, passion, and perseverance make her an outstanding role model. She embodies the perfect blend of creativity, resilience, and determination.
Future Goals

As a contemporary visual artist, my future goals are driven by a strong passion for creating thought-provoking and impactful art. My ultimate goal is to establish myself as a successful and recognized artist in the contemporary art world. This includes exhibiting my work in prestigious galleries and museums, participating in international art fairs, and collaborating with other talented artists. I also aspire to use my platform as an artist to shed light on important social and environmental issues through my art. Another goal of mine is to continuously push the boundaries of traditional art forms and experiment with new techniques and mediums. Ultimately, I strive to make a lasting impact through my art, inspiring others to think critically and see the world in a different light. To achieve these goals, I am constantly honing my craft and seeking opportunities to showcase my work and make meaningful connections within the art community. With dedication, hard work, and a strong vision, I am confident that I can achieve my future goals as a contemporary visual artist.