Umesh Varma

Umesh Varma (1935–2019) was an Indian abstract artist, printmaker, ceramic artist, illustrator, and writer, born in Banda, Uttar Pradesh. After graduating in science from the University of Allahabad, he studied Fine Arts at Delhi Polytechnic, earning the National Diploma in 1963. A Japanese Government Monbusho Research Fellowship in 1964 enabled him to study traditional ceramic techniques in Japan. His multidisciplinary practice explored movement, growth, transformation, and the interconnectedness of nature through dynamic abstract forms, influenced by his scientific background. Varma also worked as a visiting lecturer, poet, art critic, and writer. He received several honours, including the Lalit Kala Akademi National Academy Award for Painting in 2004. He held solo exhibitions and participated in over sixty group exhibitions in India and abroad.