From Karnal to the Rashtrapati Bhavan: How Arvind Sharma is Redefining Indian Printmaking

Arvind Sharma, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Fine Arts (Printmaking) at Budha College of Higher Education in Karnal, Haryana, has cemented his position on the global art stage after receiving an Honorable Mention at the 3rd International Print Biennale India 2026. The prestigious accolade was presented by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, during a high-profile ceremony at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi on October 21, 2026.

Organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi (India’s National Academy of Fine Arts under the Ministry of Culture), the event was attended by Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Sharma was one of only four international artists to receive this specific distinction, recognized for his profound ability to bridge classical printmaking traditions with urgent modern social commentary.

Artist & Event Snapshot

For art collectors, students, and cultural enthusiasts tracking India’s contemporary art scene, here is the official breakdown of Sharma’s profile and his recent national recognition:

Metric	Official Information
Artist Name	Arvind Sharma
Current Roles	Assistant Professor (Budha College), Founder (THAPPA Atelier 91)
Award Received	Honorable Mention, 3rd International Print Biennale India 2026
Awarding Body	Lalit Kala Akademi (Presented by President Droupadi Murmu)
Winning Artwork	“Don’t Ignore Me” (Focusing on societal prejudices against women)
Primary Mediums	Etching, Lithography, Woodcut, Serigraphy

The Masterpiece: Anatomy of “Don’t Ignore Me”

The defining anchor of Sharma’s recent Lalit Kala Akademi victory is his printmaking masterpiece titled “Don’t Ignore Me.” The artwork serves as a fierce critique of the systemic prejudices, exclusion, and social challenges faced by women in modern society.

To convey this narrative, Sharma utilizes a complex visual vocabulary of animal symbolism. By heavily featuring the imagery of crows and cats, he mirrors human nature’s dualities, contradictions, and structural biases. This thematic focus on gender equality and female empowerment resonates deeply with ongoing cultural shifts across the country, sharing the same drive for equity seen among India’s most successful women entrepreneurs and leaders. The judging panel praised the piece not just for its intense thematic urgency, but for its meticulous execution using ancient tactile mediums in a highly digital age.

Technical Mastery and Commercial Valuation

A graduate of Kurukshetra University holding both a BFA and an MFA, Sharma has spent over 15 years mastering a wide array of print mediums. His portfolio requires immense technical discipline, frequently utilizing:

• Intaglio Processes: Etching and Drypoint for deep, textured line work.
• Planographic Printing: Lithography for rich, painterly surface expressions.
• Relief Printmaking: Woodcut techniques for stark, high-contrast imagery.
• Silkscreening: Serigraphy for bold, contemporary layering.

This mastery translates directly to his financial standing in the contemporary art market. As highlighted by Gallery Silver Scapes, Sharma’s original works command premium mid-tier valuations that reflect his rising prominence. His large-scale figurative painting Fantasy 1 (Tale of Two Worlds) is valued at approximately ₹45,000 INR, while his striking acrylic ink piece Ominous 1 (The Crow’s Gaze) is listed at ₹35,000 INR. His specialized graphic printmaking works, such as Woman With Apple (₹22,000 INR) and Sea Waves (₹18,500 INR), make his art a highly sought-after investment for collectors frequenting the Top 5 Art Galleries across Delhi NCR.

Driving Education at Budha College and THAPPA Atelier 91

Beyond his personal accolades, Sharma is a foundational pillar for regional art education in Haryana. At Budha College of Higher Education in Karnal, he is known for blending the rigorous technical discipline of printmaking with open-ended creative inquiry.

However, his impact extends beyond institutional walls. As the Founder and Director of THAPPA Atelier 91, an independent printmaking studio in Karnal, Sharma actively democratizes access to the visual arts. He regularly organizes intensive programs like the Edge to Edge Printmaking Camp, which brings together contemporary Indian printmakers to collaborate and share technical skills outside of conventional metropolitan art hubs. For enthusiasts who regularly attend massive cultural gatherings like the Delhi Art Weekend, Sharma’s localized camps offer a rare, intimate look at the tactile realities of print production.

Global Exposure for the Next Generation

Sharma’s philosophy on education is rooted in shared growth. Rather than exclusively traveling for his own solo exhibitions (which span over 130 international recognitions including the PARALLEL exhibition in China), he actively leverages his global connections to elevate his students.

In mid-2025, he co-showcased alongside a select group of his Budha College student artists—including Prachi Kamboj, Saloni, Parshant, Shubham, and Ramneet—at the BLUE PRINT (Red Edition) International Printmaking Exhibition. Held at the ILHAM Art Gallery (MARA University of Technology) in Shah Alam, Malaysia, this collaboration placed regional Indian students directly onto the international stage.

Reflecting on his recent Presidential honor on his official Instagram, Sharma summarized his vision perfectly: the award is not a career peak, but a mandate. “It is a renewed responsibility to serve the art community with greater dedication,” he stated, proving that true artistic growth only becomes meaningful when the entire community rises together.