Preston engineering graduate finding success as multidisciplinary visual artist

A Preston engineering graduate is finding success as a multidisciplinary visual artist.

Manjima Anilkumar, 27, is gaining attention for her ability to blend technical structural expertise with large-scale fine art. She describes her work as being at the intersection of heritage, architecture, and public space.

A 2023 Master’s graduate in Construction Project Management from the University of Lancashire (ULan), Manjima uses her understanding of the built environment to transform commercial spaces.

Her works – including a huge, intricate mural on the exterior wall of Kochi Bay in New Hall Lane – showcase a unique fusion of her Indian heritage, precision, and the structural scale she mastered during her engineering degrees.

One of Manjima's large-scale works at Kochi Bay — One of Manjima’s large-scale works at Kochi Bay

Manjima said: “In project management, we talk about the ‘integrity’ of a building. As an artist, I provide the ‘identity’ of that building.

“Being a woman in construction has taught me to be precise and resilient, and I carry that same energy into my paintings. Whether it’s a detailed portrait or a 20-foot wall, it’s all about project delivery and vision.”

While Manjima is currently working within the local hospitality sector, she’s committed to elevating traditional Indian art forms within the UK’s diverse artistic landscape and continuing to build her creative portfolio.

At a Wigan Malayalee Association event early last year, she surprised guests with hand-drawn portraits. In November, she created conceptual body artistry for the Manickath Miss Malayali UK Season 2 Grand Finale, executing a highly technical Half Theyyam face painting – a work demanding precise structural symmetry, and deep cultural literacy.

For more of Manjima’s work, follow her on Instagram @__manjima_anilkumar__.

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