Born in 1948, Rini Dhumal was a pioneering Indian painter and printmaker whose work is celebrated for its evocative exploration of memory, mythology, and feminine identity. Born in Rangpur (now in Bangladesh) into a zamindar family, her early life was shaped by the socio-political upheavals of Partition, experiences that later informed the emotional depth and narrative complexity of her art.

Dhumal studied painting and printmaking at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, where she later became a respected educator and eventually headed the painting department. She further honed her skills at Atelier 17 in Paris under Stanley William Hayter, gaining exposure to advanced printmaking techniques that would significantly shape her practice.

Her artistic language is marked by a seamless blend of painting and printmaking, often combining textured surfaces with luminous colour. Central to her oeuvre is the female form—depicted as powerful, introspective, and symbolic. Drawing from myth, memory, and personal history, her works frequently evoke themes of displacement, identity, and the subconscious. Her iconic “Devi” figures and solitary women embody shakti (divine feminine energy), reflecting both strength and vulnerability.

Dhumal worked across diverse media, including painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and glass, demonstrating a rare versatility. Her works were exhibited widely in India and internationally, and she received several honours, including the Chancellor’s Gold Medal and a French Government scholarship.

Until her passing in 2021, she remained an active practitioner and mentor. Today, Rini Dhumal is regarded as a significant figure in modern Indian art, remembered for her lyrical yet powerful visual language and her enduring contribution to the evolution of printmaking in India.