Mohan Kumar Verma comes from a family of traditional Sanjhi paper stencil artisans, an art form practised across Mathura and Vrindavan in North India. Dating back to the 16th century Sanjhi designs were traditionally created to make ritualistic and ceremonial rangolis in temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. Craftsmen use small fine custom-made scissors to cut the stencils which are placed on flat surfaces and then filled with coloured pigments, flowers or stones.
Mohan’s craftsmanship lies in his delicate designs and elaborate picture motifs. Peacocks, bullock carts, horses, cows, butterflies and trees are some of the common motifs he uses in addition to compositions narrating tales related to Krishna.
Mohan Kumar Verma has participated in many exhibitions such as the Aga Khan Foundation Delhi, the Uttar Madhya Sanskratik Kendra, Allahabad, the Isha Yoga Kendra, Coimbatore, Sanjhi Paper Cutting Kendra, Matura amongst others. He has won awards from Karigar Haat in 2011 , the Vishista Hast Shilp Pradeshik Pureskar of Uttar Pradesh in 2011-12 and the Suraj Kund Craft Mela Kalamani Award in 2015.
