Oinam Dilip grew up in Bishenpur, a small town near Manipur. He received his BFA from Indira Sangeet Viswa Vidyalaya and later graduated from Delhi College of Art.
In the early years, Oinam experimented with abstract and realist forms of art, which were inspired by the metro cities of South Asia. However, gradually the artist felt the need to freely experiment with the culture and vibrancy of North East India, a place where he belonged. He wanted to portray his homeland on the canvas, the way he sees it. His work is inspired by the archetypal images, the nature, the surroundings and the tangible cultural objects.
Oinam started with exploring the abstract and realist forms of paintings. His subjects were inspired by the urban life of South Asian metro cities. However, as he explored his art more, he started gravitating towards his roots, North East India. Oinam’s subjects are the simple and joyous people from his homeland, Manipur and the rest of the Seven Sister States. He creates abstract but engaging backdrops for his realist subjects.
Over the yeas Oinam has participated in many national and international group and solo shows. He has also earned many awards such as Manipur State Award, Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation, International Committee of Red Cross Society, Geneva, Chittaranjan Park Bangiya Samaj, Nehru Yuva Kendra, Bhopal.