In the heart of Gurgaon’s Golf Course Extension Road, Manishe and Barkha lead a distinctive creative practice devoted to reimagining spiritual spaces through traditional Indian art forms. Their studio, Art by Manishe & Barkha, is deeply rooted in the philosophy that a mandir is not just a corner of devotion, but a sanctified experience—one that must evoke stillness, beauty, and reverence through thoughtful design and craftsmanship.
At the core of their work lies a commitment to reviving and contemporising age-old techniques such as mirror mosaic, Lippan art, and Thikri work. Originating from the desert regions of Kutch in Gujarat, Lippan art is a traditional mud-and-mirror craft once used to adorn village homes, reflecting light and keeping interiors cool. Thikri, a refined mirror inlay technique with roots in Rajasthan’s royal architecture, was historically seen in palaces and temples, where convex mirrors were meticulously set into ornate patterns to create a play of light and reflection. Manishe and Barkha bring these heritage crafts into modern interiors, preserving their authenticity while adapting them for today’s architectural sensibilities.
Their mandir designs are highly customised, responding to both the spatial context and the spiritual intent of the client. Whether it is a serene home mandir, a statement wall in a luxury residence, or a large-scale installation in a commercial or hospitality setting, each project is executed with precision and artistic integrity. They work extensively with high-quality mirrors, speciality convex mirrors (Thikri), textured bases, natural materials, and metal foils in gold, copper, and silver—layering these elements to create depth, luminosity, and sacred geometry within each piece.
What distinguishes their practice is not just their artistic vision, but their ability to execute complex, large-format projects seamlessly across India. Supported by a skilled and well-coordinated team, they handle installations ranging from intimate spaces to expansive mandir walls spanning up to 12 feet in height and beyond. Their attention to detail is uncompromising—from the placement of each mirror fragment to the final finish—ensuring a flawless outcome that resonates with both spiritual significance and visual grandeur.
Through their work, Manishe and Barkha are not only preserving traditional art forms but giving them renewed relevance, transforming them into immersive spiritual experiences for contemporary spaces.
