AT A GLANCE
Bikram Pal
Area of Practice: Pattachitra Katha: Oral narratives and visual storytelling through traditional scrolls, Exploring Indigenous Folk Art of India, Children’s Book Illustration, Advertising Campaign Planning
OVERVIEW
I am a visual artist, researcher and educator engaged in exploring the rich tapestry of indigenous art forms in India. My current focus lies in the study and experimentation with Pattachitra, an illustrious folk art tradition celebrated for its narrative scrolls accompanied by music and song. I work in commercial endeavors such as book illustrations and advertising campaigns. For the past eight years, I have navigated the diverse landscapes of both advertising agencies and freelance work, collaborating with a spectrum of clients ranging from corporate entities to independent ventures. I am a recipient of the National Scholarship for Young Artists (2012) and the Junior Research Fellowship for Outstanding Artists in the field of Art & Culture, awarded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India (2018). I am also a founding member of Bhartia Urvil, an NGO dedicated to nurturing and preserving the rich tapestry of Indian arts and culture, particularly among children.
EDUCATION
1. Recipient of Research Fellowship, Ministry of Culture, Government of India
2. Master of Fine Arts (First Class, Gold Medal) Applied Arts (Visualization and Campaign Planning) Faculty of Visual Arts, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
3. Bachelor of Fine Arts (First Class) Major in Applied Arts & Minor in Painting Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata
WORK EXPERIENCE
Current Position:
Faculty
Graphic Arts & Design Practices
Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology
Graphic Developer
Kyyba Innovations, Michigan, USA
Junior Art Director
Langoor Digital Pvt. Ltd. Bangalore
Graphic Designer & Illustrator
Design Innovation Centre, BHU & IIT (BHU)
Worked under National Scholarship by Ministry of Culture, Government of India
INTEREST AREAS
1. Pattachitra: A distinguished folk art tradition renowned for its captivating visual storytelling.
2. Indigenous folk art in India.
3. Indian manuscript painting.
4. History of Indian art.
CURRENT PRACTICE AT SRISHTI
Below are the titles of some of the courses I teach: 1. Drawing & Imaging – Media & Methods: This unit teaches the application of various styles, media, tools, and techniques to actively generate fluid and original ideas. Students practice sketching and drawing as essential tools in the visual thinking process. They learn to use tools and techniques of visual thinking to translate mental imagery into visual forms. 2. Character Design: This unit focuses on introductory character design studies, extending into advanced character design and development methods. 3. Illustration & Digital Publishing: This course explores illustration and visual narrative creation specifically for digital media. Students learn to use digital platforms effectively through selective case studies. They also create digital art intended for use across a wide variety of forms, collaterals, and functions.
TEACHING PORTFOLIO
CREATIVE PRACTICE & OUTREACH
DESIGN FOR MAJOR PUBLICATIONS & EVENTS
Dec 2016. Graphic Designer
Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav, Varanasi
Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India
Jul 2017. Graphic Designer
Workshop on Drug Design
IIT (BHU)
Mar 2018. Co-Coordinator
Design Picnic, National Seminar cum Workshop
Dept. of Applied Arts, Faculty of Visual Arts, BHU
April 2022. Design Campaign Planner
The Frank C. Chookolingo and Evamaria R. Chookolingo Memorial Lecture Series
Dept. of History of Art, Faculty of Arts, BHU
Feb 2023. Design Campaign Planner
International Seminar
Dept. of History of Art, Faculty of Arts, BHU, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism, ICSSR
Jan 2024. Logo Design
Institute of Management Studies, BHU
Jan 2024. Logo Design
Design Innovation Centre, BHU & IIT (BHU)
Jan 2024. Logo Design
New International Boys Hostel, BHU
Mar 2024. Design Campaign Planner
International Seminar
Ministry of Tourism, Archaeological Survey of India, Indian Council of Historical Research & Dept. of History of Art, Faculty of Arts, BHU
INVITED MAJOR LECTURES
Jan 2021. Guest Speaker
Workshop on Critical Thinking and Design Innovation
Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell,
Institutions Innovation Council, BHU with Design Innovation Centre, BHU
July 2021. Guest Speaker
An Overview of the Enduring Indian Legacy of Design
History of Social Design in India
Project funded by Ministry of Education, Govt. of India
Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC)
with Michigan State University, Michigan & MICA Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
2021. Training Expert
Toycathon 2021
Organized by Ministry of Education, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of MSME, Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Women & Child Development
Conducted by AICTE & Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell
Jan 2022. Guest Speaker
Workshop on Design Thinking, Critical Thinking & Innovation Design
Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell, Institutions Innovation Council, BHU with Design Innovation Centre, BHU under Mentor and Mentee Scheme
6 to 23 Oct 2022. Visiting Fellow
Dept. of Applied Arts, Faculty of Visual Arts, BHU
March 2023. Speaker Round Table
The Appraisal of the History of Social Design in India
Project funded by Ministry of Education, Govt. of India
Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC)
