Based in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Hemraj Bhabor belongs to the Bhil community and has dedicated the last 6–7 years to mastering the vibrant Bhil painting tradition. His journey began during his school days when artisan Ramesh Katara introduced him to the distinctive techniques and motifs of the artform. Unlike many artisans who inherit the craft, Hemraj is the first in his family to pursue it professionally, driven by a deep personal connection rather than lineage. His works are instantly recognisable for their Deepak-type bindi dot patterns which is a hallmark of Bhil visual storytelling, woven into forest-inspired scenes, folk tales, and even detailed depictions of insects. Each dot is placed with patience and purpose, echoing the community’s oral traditions and their intimate relationship with nature.
Over the years, Hemraj has showcased his art in 10–11 exhibitions, bringing the Bhil worldview to audiences beyond his homeland, though formal awards have yet to come his way. For him, painting is more than creative expression; it is a way to keep alive the stories, wisdom, and ecological sensibilities of his people. Through every canvas, he hopes to preserve this cultural memory and inspire others to see the forest, not just as a landscape, but as a living archive of Bhil heritage.