Shakti Singh Ahlawat

Born in 1967 in Behlba village, Rohtak (Haryana), Shakti Singh Ahlawat is an accomplished Indian freelance artist and portraitist widely respected for his mastery in oils, watercolours, acrylics, and charcoal. His fascination with portraiture began in childhood, when he became intrigued by how simple lines could capture human likeness. That early curiosity evolved into a lifelong dedication to portraying character, identity, and cultural memory through art.

A graduate of the Government College of Art, Chandigarh (affiliated with Panjab University), he developed a strong academic foundation that continues to inform his professional practice. Over the years, he has built a reputation for detailed, evocative, and realistic representations, particularly in portraiture. His work spans traditional, figurative, and architectural styles, reflecting both technical precision and emotional depth.

Beyond contemporary portrait painting, he also engages with traditional Indian art forms such as Phad and Tanjore, integrating classical aesthetics with refined realism. This versatility across mediums and styles has positioned him as a distinctive voice in North Indian art circles.

His artworks are included in several prestigious public and institutional collections, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, Government Museum and Art Gallery, Chandigarh, and the National Gallery of Portraits, Chandigarh, among others.

Recognition for artistic excellence includes the State Award in Fine Arts from the Government of Haryana, the Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi Award, and the Bheem Kala Ratn Award. He was also slated to receive the “Shree Kala Ratn Samman” from M.D. University, Rohtak.

In addition to his studio practice, he conducts workshops and seminars for educational institutions and actively participates in curating exhibitions. Through decades of dedicated work, he continues to celebrate heritage, individuality, and human expression with remarkable sensitivity and skill.