Story: Bharti Dayal (birth 1961, Bihar, India) is a pioneering artist who bridges ancient tradition with modern expression. She is credited with revolutionizing Madhubani painting-also known as Mithila art-by taking it out of rural walls and onto contemporary canvases, all while retaining its cultural and spiritual richness.

Hailing from a family with deep roots in Mithila, Dayal was drawn to the art form from childhood. But it wasn’t until the 1980s that she fully embraced it, choosing to become a professional artist at a time when traditional folk artists, especially women, were rarely seen on formal art platforms.

Madhubani art, historically practiced by women on mud walls and floors during festivals and ceremonies, is characterized by intricate patterns, bold colors, and mythological themes. Bharti Dayal modernized this by introducing contemporary themes such as female empowerment, environmental conservation, and social justice-while staying true to its stylistic essence.

One of her breakthrough works is “Tree of Life and Death” (1998), a powerful commentary on ecological destruction and rebirth. Another widely recognized piece is “Women at the Well”, which combines traditional symbolism with feminist narratives, presenting women as central figures not only in daily life but also in cultural memory.

Her “Celebration of Life” series reflects themes of love, spirituality, and feminine strength. These works often depict goddesses, but rendered through a personal lens, drawing parallels between divine power and everyday womanhood.

Dayal’s work has traveled far beyond the Mithila region-exhibited in major galleries in New York, Paris, and Tokyo. She represented Indian folk art at the Smithsonian Institution’s Folk Life Festival in Washington D.C. and her pieces are part of several national and international collections.

Apart from her paintings, Dayal is also a mentor and educator. She has trained rural women and young artists, helping preserve and evolve the Madhubani tradition. Her efforts have not only elevated the art form globally but also given economic and creative empowerment to many women in Bihar.

Dayal’s art speaks to both continuity and change-rooted in ritual but evolving with relevance. She says, “Tradition should not be frozen in time. It must be allowed to grow, breathe, and speak to the world we live in.”