Page 84 - AstaGuru Modern Odyssey

Bikash’s

Doll

Series

Bikash Bhattacharjee’s ‘Doll Series’ The paintings in this series are marked
stands as a poignant testament to the by their insidious portrayal of the doll
tumultuous socio-political landscape navigating various scenarios—a frantic
of 1970s Bengal. The artist, recognized search through a drawer, stealthily
with a national award by the Lalit Kala creeping behind a wall, and levitating
Akademi during this period, channelled in mid-air while holding onto a rope.
his growing interest in societal The deft and precise strokes used by
commentary into this compelling body Bhattacharjee create visually striking
of work. Executed in the early 70s, the images, but it is the profound impact
series visually captures the haunting and resonance of the underlying political
essence of civil unrest, violence, and loss commentary that sets the ‘Doll Series’
stemming from the conflict between the apart.
police and Naxal movement supporters
in Bengal. The cherubic doll, brought to life against
the backdrop of isolated Kolkata lanes and
Amidst Kolkata’s political turbulence, sombre surroundings, acts out scenarios
Bhattacharjee found inspiration for that reflect the innocence of childhood
the series when a young girl from in stark contrast to the surrounding
his neighbourhood sought his help to violence. Whether wandering through
repair and repaint a doll. This seemingly dark alleys or searching through drawers
innocuous doll became the central figure containing the Little Red Book, the doll
in the series, serving as a metaphor for becomes a powerful symbol of the times.
the disquietude of the political turmoil In redefining his surreal approach, Bikash
in Bhattacharjee’s home. The artist’s Bhattacharjee’s ‘Doll’ series emerges as a
studio became the breeding ground pictorial adage, conveying the stark truth
for the evocative imagery that would of the socio-political upheaval of his era
characterize the ‘Doll’ series. with masterful artistry.