An Inspiring Journey of an Artist: Manjeet Dhankhar

Manjeet Dhankhar's journey in the world of art is a story of passion, perseverance, and a profound connection with her roots and surroundings. Her impressive list of achievements and awards is a testament to her dedication and talent. Through her art, Manjeet not only showcases her technical skills but also brings attention to important social and environmental issues. Her journey is an inspiration to many, and her vision for the future holds the promise of continued contributions to the world of art.

Manjeet's story is a reminder that with dedication, hard work, and a deep connection to one's roots, one can overcome challenges and achieve great success. Her journey is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists and a testament to the transformative power of art. As Manjeet continues to evolve and grow as an artist, her work will undoubtedly continue to inspire and impact the world in meaningful ways.

Introduction:

Manjeet Dhankhar born in a small district in Haryana known as Jhajjar, is now an artist passionate about printmaking and weaves. Manjeet completed her art and craft teacher training course in 2012. After completing her course she proceeds to do her bachelor in fine Arts in painting, Dept Of Fine Arts, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra Haryana  India. She then completed her Master's Degree in Fine Arts Graphics (P.M.), Dept. of Fine Arts, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra Haryana, ( INDIA ) and after that, she earned her Bachelor of Education in Fine Art from Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra Haryana. 

Currently, she lives and works in Delhi working on the essence of nature. At the same time, she is also working as a teacher in Delhi. Coming from a small district, Manjeet is connected to her surroundings, and that’s why she expressed the life of the farmers and their relationship with their tools. She believes farming provided a bridge between the audience and her works and to recognize the inner beauty of the environment around us. She said, “My interest in art and finding meaning in the forms around me led me to take up art as a subject”. 

Challenges and Achievements:

Manjeet received various awards for her contribution to the field of art including national and international. She got an Honorary Doctorate Award from Magic Book of Record, Haryana in 2022.

In July 2021, she received the Excellence Award in the 2nd National Online Art Exhibition And Competition Organized By Akam -Kala Sangh, Feb 2020 She got the International Arts Excellence Award 2020 For Outstanding Contribution An AwardedInternational Arts Excellence Awards 2020 At Triveni Kala Sangam On 11th February 2020 By Colour And Canvas.

In 2019, she received the MISSION OF UNITY (GUINNESS WORLD RECORD OFFICAL ATTEMPT) GOLD MEDAL, " Shimla fusion II 7th  -10th  July GAIETY ART CENTRE SHIMLA INTERNATIONAL ART EXHIBITION " BEST ARTWORK AWARD GOLD, " 11th  national art exhibition " organized by KSHITIJ AN ART SOCIETY, KSHITIJ ALANKAAR AWARD (SILVER MEDAL) AWARDED, 

In 2018 kalavart Nyas National " ( V.S.WAKANKAR Gold 2018 KalaVart Nyas Award ) Ujjain ( MP ) INDIA and KALAAAKAR FOUNDATION GUINNESS WORLD RECORD OFFICIAL ATTEMPT ( Eek pedh ek zindagi) INDIA.

In 2017, she received the "ACHIEVEMENT AWARD", from the All India Online Art Competition NATRAJ ART GALLERY, VRINDA GARDEN, Rewari Haryana (India), 

Personal Insights:

Manjeet is connected with the environment, that’s why her works carry the idea of ​​the root in their image. Roots are not different from the branches, but the branches grow only because of the strength of the roots. She is interested in the source, and origin of individuals, ideas, and institutions. Her journey is very much connected to origin, farming, and travel. 

Her feelings are attached to her work, she thinks “When I work, her feelings and work are the same they are not apart and it’s a part of nature. Being this closely connected to nature my emotions and thoughts keep changing with it just like the seasons”.

Impact and Visions:

Manjeet Dhankhar is now exploring the urban landscape, she said “The change of location contributed to a deeper understanding of the dimensions I recognize and the mediums I use to make the most of what I develop in my thoughts. As I delve further into this urban landscape, I find a connection between the source, nature, and the artificial and polite boundaries erected upon them for radical purposes”. 

She has shown that different color of flowers shows different effects. She has used leaves to show life. When she sits alone, she thinks about different aspects of nature, then she uses her thoughts in her work. She said, “Nature is so beautiful and it’s beyond anyone's imagination which I have tried to use in my work so that one can become aware of various aspects of nature and earth”. 

She was inspired by her art around her world, she said “I am also engaged in encountering the possibilities hidden in the world around me. The nature around us is capable of much more than what we know about”. She believes that the scenery around us bears evidence of deliberate efforts to keep trees, plants, sea, and river reasonably. She added, “I am convinced that the evolution of nature is inevitable and our polite impositions fall short of matching its pace. This power is not visible to the naked eye but is present”.

Conclusion:

Manjeet is very connected to nature, she believes that in direct relation, we can see only the facade of the surroundings and not what lies within. It exists but does not adapt to our living conditions. Also, she addressed as a hidden power because from the outside everything seems orderly but it is the chaos inside them that excites me. In 'Nature Crosses the Border', She believed that the artificial boundaries imposed on us. These boundaries proved inadequate to keep order in check as chaos took over nature evolving from it and wearing the symbol of the boundary as an ornament. She said “My process involves physical intimacy and physical identification of fundamental elements. We breathe in such forces. We all breathe in orderly conditions growing into it. These forces are a reflection of all the values ​​that need to be evolved”.