Munish Sood
Mandi
A landmark artistic intervention at IIT Mandi has brought contemporary artist Aman Kumar into the national spotlight, marking a significant milestone in his rapidly evolving creative journey. His recently conceptualized and executed artwork for India’s first Multimodal AI Lab at I-Hub, IIT Mandi, has not only drawn attention for its visual appeal but also for seamlessly blending art with culture.
The project reflects Aman’s distinctive approach—positioning him among a new generation of artists redefining boundaries in interdisciplinary art. The recognition garnered from this work has opened new avenues for collaboration and firmly established his presence in the contemporary art space.
Aman Kumar, who holds a Master’s degree in Design from IIT Guwahati, has consistently explored the convergence of art, culture, and emerging technologies. His work is deeply research-driven yet intuitive, allowing him to create experiences that resonate across diverse audiences.
Prior to his IIT Mandi project, Aman had already demonstrated his artistic vision through a large-scale public art initiative in 2022 with Shapoorji Pallonji Pvt. Ltd. In this ambitious project, he transformed tunnel interiors along the Pandoh–Aut highway stretch in Mandi district into immersive visual narratives, adding cultural depth to critical infrastructure.
Belonging to a family rooted in artistic excellence, Aman is the son of noted Himachali artist Rajesh Kumar, known for his significant contribution to the revival of the traditional Mandi Kalam art form. Building upon this legacy, Aman has carved his own niche by merging heritage art with contemporary expression.
Notably, he has also worked as a researcher on the first interactive book dedicated to Mandi Kalam. The research, conducted under the guidance of renowned designer Dr. Uday Kumar Dharmalingam of IIT Guwahati—best known for designing the Indian Rupee symbol—aims to recontextualize the traditional art form through modern, interactive mediums.
Today, Aman’s artworks have found place not only in India but also internationally. His collaborations span across leading architecture and hospitality brands, including Pine Valley Interiors, Club Mahindra, Apple Valley Resorts, and curated Airbnb spaces across Goa, Assam, and Shimla.
At the core of Aman Kumar’s journey lies a strong belief that an artist’s originality and self-discovered vision ultimately define their path. With each project, he continues to push creative boundaries, emerging as a promising name in India’s contemporary art landscape.
