Born in 1969 in Chakradharpur, a small mining town in Jharkhand, Started from Delhi and in 1999, he moved to Bombay. I graduated in commerce, am a self-taught artist, and have been practicing art full-time for 25-plus years. In 2022, he became the first Indian resident at the Alice Boner Institute in Varanasi, Director N.S. Harsha. His artistic achievements have been recognized with awards from the All India Fine Art & Craft Society (2006) and The Indian Academy of Fine Arts, Amritsar (2006). He has held numerous solo and group exhibitions, “Tales From The East: Embers, Echos and Stories of Shifting Earth, Exhibit320, New Delhi (2024)” a group show, the residency at the Alice Boner Institute in Varanasi (2022), A solo show “Canary In A Coal Mine” Curatorial note by Bernard Imhasly at Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai (2019), and the Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi with his exhibition “SUKMA – I am still alive” (2014). Black and White Tao Art Gallery, Mumbai (2007). “Rejuvenation of Earthen Colors” at the India International Centre, Art Annexe, New Delhi (2007), and several other exhibitions across India.

Ajay Chakradhar’s artistic works not only delve into the socio-political and human dimensions of Jharkhand’s mining landscape also touches upon the profound environmental impact and implications of climate change. Here’s an expansion on how his artworks convey this aspect: In Ajay Chakradhar’s creations, we discover a multifaceted exploration of Jharkhand’s mining landscape that extends beyond the immediate human experience. His art encompasses a holistic view of the region, acknowledging its stark contrasts and multifarious impacts. Chakradhar’s choice of materials, notably the incorporation of ground and powdered minerals extracted from the land, symbolizes a profound connection to both the environment and its Inhabitants.

Chakradhar’s unique use of materials, many of which are extracted from the very earth being mined, emphasizes the exploitation of natural resources and its profound ecological consequences. His paintings and sculptures evoke a sense of paradox, encapsulating both the desolation and vitality, disruption, and beauty intrinsic to the mining culture. Chakradhar’s art transcends binary oppositions and instead mirrors the complex tapestry of life in Jharkhand. In his artistic creations, we witness the interplay of beauty and hubris, energy and destruction, all while recognizing the profound impact of mining on the environment and its contribution to climate change. The inclusion of minerals and earthy textures in his artworks serves as a potent reminder of how mining activities affect the land, disrupt ecosystems, and contribute to broader environmental challenges.