A family of painters and their art works
- Rajkumar Budhimanta -

James Khangenbam *

Rajkumar Budhimanta

Rajkumar Budhimanta is the fourth generation of painters in his family. His father RK Chandrajitsana founded the RKCS Art Gallery at their residence of Keishamthong. His grandfather Yumjaosana was also a great painter of his time.

His great grandfather RK Gourasingh who was a Dallairoi Hanjaba (Minister of transport) during the reign of King Chandrakirti was also a renowned painter of his time.

RK Budhimanta started painting when he was in his fourth standard under the guidance of his father. At a very young age, he started winning awards in drawing competitions. In 1985, his painting titled ‘Brain depicting Mahatma Gandhi won award at national level.

He is also a recipient of State Kala Akademi Award, 1994. He is continuing his art works under the banner of RKCS Chitralaya founded by his father late RK Chandrajitsana. Many of the RKCS cultural paintings are officially gifted to State guests by Manipur Government.

RK Budhimanta and his assistant make copy of the original paintings using oil painting method. During the corona lockdown, RK Buddhimanta drew a painting each day before breakfast. It took him an hour or just half an hour to finish a painting. With a collection of 335 paintings, he organized a 5 days solo art exhibition called 'Colours of Pandemic'.

Most of the paintings depicted nature in different landscapes, human and nature relations, traditional way of making fish, and many interesting social and lifestyle paintings. The solo exhibition is a record in Manipur as it showcases the highest number of paintings by an artist in a single exhibition so far.

RK Buddhimanta once drew a portrait of Mother Teresa when he learned that she was falling sick at her old age and couriered the painting, to which Mother Teresa replied that she has displayed the painting at the entrance of their prayer house. He still treasures the letter from Mother Teresa.

In a similar incident he drew and painted Bill Clinton, former American President and mailed the White House. Bill Clinton wrote him back with compliments for the painting. The happiness and connection the paintings had brought to the artists is immense. It would have been equally a joyful moment for the ones who have received the art work.

Letter from Mother Teresa

RK Budhimanta is also the man behind many big film billboards at the Cinema Halls of Manipur until digital printing technology took over. He has painted for films like Imagi Ningthem, Olangthagee Wangmada, Wangma Wangma which were a blockbuster. The last film billboard he drew was for the film Chang Si Chang.

Besides continuing his art work, RK Budhimanta along with his son RK Busho who does most of the contemporary art installations at RKCS Art Gallery is actively running the Art Gallery, receiving around three thousand guests a year.

Their dedication and selfless service towards showcasing Manipur to the tourists through the priceless Oil Paintings is worth appreciating. So much a family of painters had contributed to the society.

The Art Gallery has served its purpose for many years. It still continues to be relevant till today and for many years to come.