ENJOY THE MEGHALAYAN SCAPEs paintings
Nature Inspired Art
Phaibhakupar Kharlukhi, an oil landscape painter born in Shillong in 1977, has nurtured a passion for art since a very young age. Though he initially pursued painting as a hobby, his creative journey evolved significantly as he grew older. Drawing from a few years of experience in photography, he began blending photographic techniques with his painting. Over time, this fusion helped him refine a unique style—capturing the beauty of nature and landscapes with stunning photo-realism
(C). Inspired by and working in the style of Shri G.W. Kharkongor — the celebrated painter and photographer of Shillong in those days — even a year or two under his guidance proved to be profoundly enriching.
(A) In his early years of painting with oils, he was deeply influenced by the works of John Constable, the renowned English landscape artist. Emulating Constable’s style not only helped sharpen his skills but also laid a strong foundation for his artistic growth. Later, as both a traveler and photographer, his inspiration expanded to include the Hudson River School—particularly the awe-inspiring works of Albert Bierstadt. The grand scale, intricate detail, and dramatic lighting characteristic of Bierstadt’s paintings resonated deeply with him, inspiring a similar emotional and visual impact in his own work, reminiscent of the 19th-century Romantic landscape tradition.
3) Concept and Ideas:
a. A distinctive element in P.Kharlukhi’s artistic practice is his use of homemade pigments, created from natural materials sourced directly from the environment around him. This connection to nature doesn’t only inspire his subject matter—it becomes part of the medium itself. For Kharlukhi, nature is both muse and material, and his work stands as a tribute to the abundance and beauty it provides.
b. At the heart of Kharlukhi’s philosophy lies a deep reverence for nature—not only as a subject to be admired but as a living force to be preserved, understood, and honored. His paintings are not merely visual representations of landscapes; they are meditations on the interconnectedness between humanity and the earth. By using natural pigments and grounding his techniques in both traditional and experiential practices, Kharlukhi seeks to create art that is as rooted in place and spirit as it is in skill. For him, art is a way to slow down, observe, and connect with the rhythms of the natural world—inviting viewers to do the same.
4) Cultural Influence in Kharlukhi’s Artwork:-
a. Phaibhakupar Kharlukhi’s paintings are deeply infused with the cultural values, communal life, and spiritual worldview of the Khasi people from Meghalaya. His work reflects not just the visual beauty of his homeland, but the collective memory, traditions, and rhythmsof a community that lives in close harmony with nature.
b. Phaibhakupar Kharlukhi’s artwork stands as a compelling fusion of traditional motifs and materials reimagined as technologies—partly in the digital world but not in the industrial sense, but as indigenous technologies of connection, sustainability, and storytelling. His practice redefines what "technology" can mean when viewed through the lens of culture and tradition.
5) Art Movement and Style:-
Phaibhakupar Kharlukhi’s work doesn’t fit neatly into a single, conventional art movement—but it resonates strongly with several overlapping styles and philosophies. His artistic style and movement affiliation can best be described as a unique blend of:
a. Contemporary Realism with Indigenous Aesthetics:- Photographic precision from his background in photography Textural realismenhanced by natural pigments and layered oil glazing. Emotionally resonant landscapes that feel lived-in, sacred, and storytelling-driven.
b. Hudson River School Art Influence:- Romantic landscapes, Dramatic lighting, Sublime depictions of nature’s grandeur
c. Eco-Indigenous Art (Emergent Movement):- Environmental ethics, Indigenous, Cultural sovereignty and land-based knowledge.
6) Collaborating and Networking:-
In addition to his studio practice, Phaibhakupar Kharlukhi has actively collaborated with Dakti Craft, a creative initiative dedicated to promoting handcrafted products made from natural materials sourced locally in Meghalaya. Together, they have worked on various art projects and workshops, exploring the possibilities of indigenous materials and sustainable art-making. One of the most notable outcomes of this collaboration was the development of a natural pigment derived from black clay, traditionally found in select areas of Meghalaya. Kharlukhi used this unique pigment in a special painting, which was later presented to the Hon’ble Vice President of India—in 2024 and again to another Union Minister in 2025 by the Governor of Meghalaya, a moment that marked both a personal milestone and a recognition of the value of indigenous knowledge, art, and craft.
7) Lifestyle of an Artist:-
Living the life of an artist, for me, is living in constant dialogue with nature. Each day begins not in a rush, but in observation—of light slipping through the trees, of clouds forming over distant hills, of the stillness or movement of the earth around me. My lifestyle is shaped by these quiet moments. It is during early morning treks through the slopes of Meghalaya, or quiet afternoons spent by a stream, that ideas begin to form. I often hike uphill and downhill, sometimes for hours, searching for a place that speaks—a beauty spot where nature composes its own masterpiece, and I merely follow.
The landscape is my studio, my teacher, and my collaborator. I don’t paint to escape life—I paint because it is life. Whether I am gathering soil and minerals to create my own artwork, or simply sitting still with a sketchbook, each part of the process is a reflection of the world I live in.
My lifestyle isn’t driven by productivity, but by presence. It’s about finding balance between movement and stillness, exploration and reflection. It's about working with my hands, creating something honest and rooted, using what is available in the land around me.
8) Current and Future Artistic Endeavors:-
In his current body of work, Phaibhakupar Kharlukhi places a strong emphasis on research, fieldwork, and practical involvementas the foundation of every composition. For him, creating a painting goes far beyond visual representation—it begins with an in-depth study of the main subject, including its history, cultural significance, ecological context, and lived experience. Field trips play a crucial role in this process, allowing the artist to observe firsthand, interact with local environments and communities, and gather material that informs both the concept and the execution of the piece. Every artwork is supported by theoretical knowledge and factual insight, which Kharlukhi considers essential to forming a strong and authentic point of view. This methodical approach ensures that each painting is not only aesthetically compelling but also deeply rooted in truth, understanding, and respect for its subject.
While grounded in traditional techniques and natural materials, Phaibhakupar Kharlukhialso embraces the evolving possibilities offered by digital tools and AI in his creative process. In his recent works, digital applications and artificial intelligence serve as powerful companions—helping him visualize compositions, study light behavior, and refine the interplay of elements before translating them onto canvas. These tools do not replace his hands-on practice, but rather extend his artistic mindset, allowing for deeper exploration of lighting, mood, and structure. Through this harmonious blend of ancestral knowledge and modern innovation, Kharlukhi continues to expand the boundaries of his landscape art, crafting images that are both timeless and forward-looking.
9) Earlier in his artistic journey, Phaibhakupar Kharlukhi explored a variety of expressive styles, particularly in portrait painting and lots of Still Paintings. His work during this phase was characterized by a looser painting technique and a bold use of high-contrast lighting, focusing on mood, expression, and the drama of shadow and form. These experiments in light and gesture became essential stepping stones in developing his current visual language. Though his focus has shifted more toward landscapes and nature-based compositions, the knowledge gained from these past explorations—especially the ability to manipulate contrast and emotional intensity—continues to inform and enhance his present style, adding depth and atmosphere to every scene:
Phaibhakupar Kharlukhi’s long-term vision is to create artworks that transcend the moment—to become living records of time, culture, and place. His goal is to compose pieces that are not only visually striking but also carry the weight of history, the truth of the present, and the spirit of the future. Each painting is intended to serve as a narrative thread—interweaving past traditions, current realities, and lasting knowledge that future generations can look back on and learn from. Through this vision, Kharlukhi sees his art as a form of preservation, reflection, and timeless storytelling—rooted in heritage, grounded in fact,contemplated by someone else. He believes that art is meant to connect, to evoke emotion, and to invite reflection. Therefore, an advice to emerging artist is “Create an Art, show it to the world and let the artworks speaks
Gallery
Explore the beauty of nature through my unique artworks.