PRESTON, UK — At just 27, Ms.Manjima Anilkumar is shattering stereotypes in two male-dominated fields: Civil Engineering and Mural Art. A 2023 Master’s graduate in Construction Project Management from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Manjima is now gaining attention for her ability to blend technical structural expertise with large-scale fine art.
While many engineering graduates focus solely on site plans, Manjima uses her deep understanding of the built environment to transform commercial spaces. Her works—including a massive, intricate mural at Kochi Bay(Preston, Warrington, Wallasey)—showcases a unique fusion of her Indian heritage, henna-inspired precision, and the structural scale she mastered during her engineering degrees. Manjima surprised guests of PRANAYANILA – ITS VIDHUPRATHAP FT. JYOTSNA at the Wigan Malayalee Association event conducted on 15 February 2025 with creative hand-drawn creative portraits and her work was a highlight of the program, demonstrating a unique fusion of technical precision and artistic talent.
On 22 November 2025, She painted conceptual body artistry for Manickath Miss Malayali UK Season 2 Grand Finale. Utilizing her background in Civil Engineering, she executed a highly technical ‘Half Theyyam’ face painting for a finalist, a work that required precise structural symmetry and deep cultural literacy. This appearance at a national-level cultural event demonstrates my commitment to elevating traditional Indian art forms within the UK’s diverse artistic landscape.
“In project management, we talk about the ‘integrity’ of a building. As an artist, I provide the ‘identity’ of that building,” says Manjima. “Being a woman in construction has taught me to be precise and resilient; 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.”
Currently working within the local hospitality sector while building her creative portfolio, Manjima represents the new wave of “Hybrid Professionals” in Lancashire—highly skilled immigrants who contribute to both the technical economy and the cultural vibrance of the UK.
