Suhas Bahulkar

Biography

Suhas Bahulkar, a senior Indian artist, completed his G.D. Art from the prestigious Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai, in 1975. He served as a lecturer at the same institution for two decades, until 1995, significantly contributing to the academic and artistic development of future generations. Known for his mastery across various mediums, Bahulkar's prolific output includes portraits, paintings, murals, and large-scale public artworks.

His work has been exhibited in renowned art hubs including London, Paris, New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai, and Delhi, earning him national and international acclaim. Bahulkar’s artworks are part of several prominent collections, such as Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Reserve Bank of India, the High Court of Mumbai, and the Legislative Council buildings in both Mumbai and Nagpur. Notably, his murals at Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum in Pune, Nehru Centre, and Savarkar Smarak in Mumbai have been widely appreciated.

He is currently involved in an ambitious national project at the National Museum of Revolutionaries, Savarkar Smarak, Mumbai, where he is leading the visual narration of India’s freedom movement from 1750 to 1947.

Artistic Style

• Known for realistic and expressive portraiture, often completed within time-constrained live sessions.
• Strong grounding in traditional Indian aesthetics, blended with contemporary thematic expression.
• Uses a wide range of mediums, including oil on canvas, reliefs, ceramic murals, sculptures, and dioramas.
• Artworks often carry historical and cultural depth, especially focusing on nationalistic and social themes.
• Demonstrates a versatile approach, moving fluidly between fine portraiture and large-scale public installations.
• Committed to collaborative and community-driven art projects, with a strong emphasis on heritage and education.

Notable Artworks

Exhibitions

• Solo Exhibition – Nehru Centre, Mumbai – “Legacy and Lineage”, April 2012.
• International Group Exhibition – Hong Kong Arts Centre – “Voices of the Indian Subcontinent”, June 2009.
• Portrait Symposium – Royal Drawing Society, London – “Tradition and Technique”, October 2005.
• Art and Public Space Forum – Delhi – Hosted by India Habitat Centre, August 2010.
• National Art Educators Conference – Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai – Panelist & Speaker, March 2015.

Contributions Beyond Artwork

Suhas Bahulkar has been deeply committed to using art as a tool for education, national pride, and cultural heritage. His long tenure as a lecturer at Sir J. J. School of Art reflects his dedication to nurturing young artists. Beyond academia, he has led several public art initiatives and large-scale heritage projects, ensuring that historical narratives are visually preserved for future generations.

His collaborative approach and leadership in civic art projects demonstrate a strong sense of social responsibility. Currently, his work on the National Museum of Revolutionaries at Savarkar Smarak is not only an artistic endeavor but also a significant cultural contribution. Through this project, he aims to instill patriotic awareness and document the sacrifices of India's unsung heroes using visual storytelling.