Working within the visual language of Mithila art, Manisha Shah explores the relationship between emotion and identity. The composition presents a circle of repeated female faces rendered in monochrome, suggesting shared emotional states shaped by social expectations and collective experience. At the center, a single vividly colored figure emerges, symbolizing awareness, individuality, and emotional awakening. Through this contrast, the artist reflects on the transition from conformity to conscious feeling.
The work invites viewers to consider whether their emotions arise from within or are reflections of the world around them, aligning closely with the theme of Bhavana.
Rooted in the Maithili community, Manisha Shah works to preserve and reimagine Mithila art through a contemporary lens. As the founder of Modern Mithila Art, her practice reflects a deep commitment to cultural continuity, women’s narratives, and community engagement. Blending traditional motifs with modern expression, her work becomes a voice for empowerment and heritage.
