Born in 1917, Das Gupta graduated from Government College of Art and Craft in Kolkata, but shifted to Delhi early on in his career. He was one of the front runners of modernism in Indian art during the second half of the twentieth century. The artist also taught at the College of Art, New Delhi and his role as a mentor to contemporary artists like Paresh Maity and Vinod Sharma is worth noting.
While Gupta is known to be a pioneer of modern abstract art in India, what stood out the most in his work was his experimentation with mediums – watercolours being the dominant one. After he had to give up painting with oil due to an allergy, he started experimenting with other media such as acrylics, ink, dye, gouache and oil pastels on canvas.
Highlighting Gupta’s unique approach to art, Vikram Mayor, curator at Gallery Silver Scapes in New Delhi, shares, “His innovative use of mediums and techniques, ranging from water colours to cross-hatching, acrylics, and mixed media, has had a lasting impact on the way Indian artists approach their work. Even six decades after creating some of his most iconic works, his art still showcases a prescience and forward-thinking that is nothing short of extraordinary.”
Nature and the exploration of germination and evolution were his leitmotifs, defining his art in various forms and interpretations. “Bimal Das Gupta's artistic style was characterised by a unique eclecticism, blending diverse elements to create distinctive and thought-provoking works. Notably, he pioneered the depiction of underwater seascapes, venturing into uncharted territory. What sets his art apart is the way he seamlessly wove together disparate elements to create a cohesive and captivating visual narrative,” Mayor remarks.
Despite his unique artistic style, his contributions to Indian art largely remained overlooked for years. However, his works have started to reappear in auctions and exhibitions – a recent example being an exhibit of his artworks held in New Delhi by Dhoomimal Gallery and Gallery Silver Scapes in November 2024. Mayor expresses, “Bimal Das Gupta’s unassuming and reserved nature, coupled with the scarcity of his works, has meant that his achievements have largely flown under the radar. However, there's a growing recognition of his genius, albeit quietly.”
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