Important Notice

Born and raised in Kolkata, Bikash Bhattacharjee has always drawn inspiration from his Bengali roots in the creation of his art. According to critic Marcella Sirhandi, the artist, whose "paintings are naturalistic yet incongruous", is "a consummate draftsman, whose skill brings to life a vivid imagination deeply rooted in Bengali culture" (India: Contemporary Art from Northeastern Private Collections, J. V. Zimmerli Art Museum exhibition... Born and raised in Kolkata, Bikash Bhattacharjee has always drawn inspiration from his Bengali roots in the creation of his art. According to critic Marcella Sirhandi, the artist, whose "paintings are naturalistic yet incongruous", is "a consummate draftsman, whose skill brings to life a vivid imagination deeply rooted in Bengali culture" (India: Contemporary Art from Northeastern Private Collections, J. V. Zimmerli Art Museum exhibition catalogue, 2002, p.32). His subjects are all average Bengalis, like himself, embodying the superstitions, corruption, religious beliefs, love and violence that the artist experienced growing up and living in the city of Kolkata.

Women, like the lone subject of the present lot, are rendered with a combination of spirituality, sensuality, and intimidation in Bhattacharjee's art. In awe of their beauty and power, the artist paints his women in a haunting light, often connecting their human femininity with divine authority, leaving viewers wondering what secrets they harbour. A master of oils, the artist is attentive to every detail in his portraits, believing that the more authentic the milieu in which his characters are, the more heightened will be their drama. In this sepia toned canvas, Bhattacharjee's predilection for form and faithfulness to detail is evident, expressed through tone and light rather than line.

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