Page 248 - AstaGuru Modern Odyssey

King

Series

by

Bikash

Bhattacharjee One of India’s most celebrated artists, Bikash Bhattacharjee

is known for his thought-provoking and emotionally charged
portrayal of the people of Bengal.

During the early 1990s, the artist redirected his focus to
sensitively depict the human condition, particularly highlighting
the struggles of the less privileged and marginalised population
in the city of Calcutta. Influenced by the challenges in his
personal life and attuned to the socio-cultural dynamics of
his city—characterised by a sombre atmosphere, intricate
alleyways, dilapidated structures, and persistent political
unrest, these works often depicted the vulnerable individuals
affected by the dark social environment of a city constantly
on edge. Collectively titled ‘The King Series,’ the works in this
suite of paintings depicted characters wearing crowns, each
resonating with a primitive, earthy essence.

Born in Kolkata in 1940, Bikash Bhattacharjee graduated from
the Indian College of Art and Draftsmanship in 1963. He joined
the teaching faculty of his alma mater in 1968 and later served
as a professor at the Government College of Arts and Crafts
from 1973 to 1982. Having debuted his works in the mid-sixties,
Bhattacharjee went on to participate in numerous solo and
group exhibitions worldwide. He was conferred the esteemed
Padma Shri award in 1988 for his contributions to Indian art. The
artist passed away in 2006.