Rupam Barthakur: Evoking emotion through figurative paintings

Born in 1961 in Assam, India, Rupam Barthakur currently resides in Warwick, United Kingdom. A contemporary painter, Barthakur primarily works with acrylic paint and mixed media on canvas and panels. He is best known for his dance and music-inspired paintings. These works feature expressive, often vivid, abstract backgrounds built up in playful, intuitive layers, culminating in the final, refined depiction of the figures in motion.

Barthakur's work is characterised by an exploration of the emotions evoked by the freedom and joy expressed through the rhythmic movement of the human form. His artistic vision comes to life in projects like the "Dance" exhibition held in Leamington Spa in 2023. This collection marked a significant evolution in Barthakur's technique, as he discovered new ways of mark-making to portray movement, energy, and joyfulness. This work led to new collectors and further exhibitions, solidifying his passion for capturing the essence of figures in dynamic motion.

Rupam’s exhibitions include the Royal Museum & Gallery in Leamington Spa, the 'Vivace' exhibition at Gravelly Barn in Hertfordshire, and The Starfish Gallery in Mousehole, Cornwall, among others. His pieces are in various private national and international collections. Additionally, Barthakur has actively participated in events such as the Warwick Folk Festival, where he served as a Resident Artist, and has shared his expertise by demonstrating his approach to painting figures in motion at UK Art Societies..

Rupam Barthakur Resume

Born in 1961 in Assam, India.
Resides and works in Warwick, UK

Selected solo exhibitions:

2023 Ronnie’s of Warwick, Warwick, UK
2023 ‘Dance’, Temperance, Leamington, UK
2022 ‘Inaugural Art Exhibition’, Ronnie’s of Warwick, UK

Selected group exhibitions:

2023 Temperance Art Exhibition, Temperance, Warwick, UK
2019 ‘Art Busking’, Warwick Museum, UK
2015 The Open Exhibition. Leamington Spa Gallery & Museum. UK
2014 The ‘Vivace’ Exhibition, Gravelly Barn Gallery, Hertfordshire, UK
2009 Seastar Gallery, Mousehole, Cornwall, UK
2009 Little Picture Gallery, Mousehole, Cornwall, UK

Art fairs:

2023 ‘Art In The Park’,  Leamington Spa. UK

Selected collections:

Rupam Barthakur is collected by various private collectors in the UK and USA

Awards: 

2015 The Open Exhibition (selected), Leamington Spa Gallery & Museum. UK

Demonstrations

2023 Painting live musicians, The Stratford-upon-Avon Art Society. UK
2022 Painting live musicians, Kineton Art Society, Warwickshire. UK

Selected press:

Claire Noakes, “The Open Exhibition 2015, Leamington Spa Gallery & Museum, Art Space Magazine (2015). “Barthakur’s style of painting recalls a photograph out of focus. For me, this motion blur was a visualisation of the unheard music.”