PVLF 2025

Kolkata Honors Ramkinkar Baij with Art Show & Book Launch

Kolkata honors Ramkinkar Baij with an art exhibition & book launch, celebrating his legacy with rare artworks, live painting & expert discussions.
on Apr 01, 2025

Kolkata the city of joy was brought alive with imagination and nostalgia as it hosted a remarkable art exhibition and book launch in memory of the legendary sculptor and painter, Ramkinkar Baij. Organized at Nazrul Tirtha, New Town, the event featured Baij's original paintings and sculptures along with celebrating his deep contributions to modern Indian art.

The event was attended by some of India's most renowned artists, critics, and dignitaries, and thus one of the most important tributes to Baij in recent times. The honored guests included Shri Lalu Prasad Shaw, Shri Niranjan Prasad, Smt. Suktisubhra Pradhan, Dr. Sanjeev Kishore Gautam, Shri Chandranath Das, Shri Kamaldeep Dhar, Shri Vimal Chand, Shri Amit Kalla, Shri Radhey Shyam, Shri Partha Shaw, Smt. Shashikala Singh, and Smt. Japani Shyam. Their presence highlighted the significance of Baij's artistic heritage and its ongoing influence on modern Indian art.

The Chief Guest for the event was Dr. Sanjeev Kishore Gautam, Director General- National Gallery of Modern Art, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, who formally opened the event, stressing Baij's radical artistic imagination. Smt. Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, British Council Director of Education, New Delhi, joined as the Guest of Honour, further adding the event's gravity. Council, New Delhi, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, adding to the event's grandeur. Shri. Prayag Shukla- Sahitya Akademi award recipient, renowned Hindi poet, writer and art critic, was also present on the occasion. The exhibition showcased a wide array of Baij's original pieces, enabling people to closely witness his experimental and daring approach. As a trailblazer of Indian modern art and sculpture as well as painting, Baij's courageously innovative attitude inspires new-age artists even to this day. Accompanying his paintings, the exhibition also showcased masterpieces from such great legends as:

Late M.F. Husain - a pioneer of Indian modern art

Abdur Rahman Chughtai - famous for his Indo-Persian style of art

Shri Prodosh Dasgupta - a prominent sculptor of the Bengal School

K.G. Subramanian - a master of Indian modernism

Tyeb Mehta - well-known for his strong, expressionist works

Jangarh Singh Shyam a trendsetter of contemporary Gond art

Shri Lalu Prasad Shaw & Shri Niranjan Prasad - doyens of Indian modernist movements

By exhibiting these renowned artists, the exhibition initiated a dynamic conversation between the past and the present, reinforcing Baiji's impact on Indian modern art.

By exhibiting these renowned artists, the exhibition initiated a dynamic conversation between the past and the present, reinforcing Baij's impact on Indian modern art.

One of the highlights of the event was an exclusive live painting session where there was a session of live painting by well-known artists from all over the country. Guests were given a unique chance to see the creative process in action, as artists took their cue from Baij's methods and ideas. This interactive session enhanced audience participation, providing a glimpse into the world of modern Indian art.

Complementing the importance of the occasion was the eagerly awaited release of "The Unseen Life of Ramkinkar Baij" written by Chandranath Das and co-written by Chandrima Das. The book offers an intimate glimpse into Baij's life, artistic odyssey, and contribution to art, disclosing lesser-seen facets of his personality and growth as an artist.

Talking about the book, Chandranath Das said, "Ramkinkar Baij was a visionary, much ahead of his time. With this book, I have tried to bring out the lesser-known aspects of his lifehis struggles, inspirations, and his eternal love for art. This project is my tribute to his remarkable legacy."

Curator and co-author Chandrima Das added, "Baij's artistic journey was defined by fearless experimentation and radical ideas. ThisCurator and co-author Chandrima Das added, "Baij's artistic journey was defined by fearless experimentation and radical ideas. This exhibition and book aim to celebrate his trailblazing spirit and showcase how his work continues to inspire contemporary Indian artists."

Vijay Prabhat Shukla, the force behind the Ramkinkar Baij show in Kolkata and the book "The Unseen Life of Ramkinkar Baij," recounted his experience. For two years, he covered Bengal, traveling to Santiniketan, Bankura, and Bhetia-Bolpur, to explore Baij's life in depth.

Enchanted by his art and biography, Shukla chose to bring out the book. He was thrilled with the response, saying, "It is indeed heartening to witness such interest in Ramkinkar Baij's work.

This show is not only a tribute but also an opportunity to revive discussions about his contribution to Indian art. We hope this will inspire a new generation of artists and art enthusiasts to discover and enjoy his legacy."

The show and book release garnered universal praise from the art fraternity and tourists as well. The critics applauded the effort for reigniting interest in Baij's pathbreaking work, while the audience welcomed the chance to connect with his masterpieces in such an elaborate manner.

Since the show will run through 31st March 2025, the event is a testimony to the lasting influence of Baij in Indian art. This event solidifies Kolkata as a city strongly committed to retaining and developing cultural heritage. In this show, where great and current artists come together, Ramkinkar Baij's groundbreaking visual imagination lives on to motivate subsequent generations.

The exhibition features an impressive collection of 72 artworks, including 60 paintings and 12 sculptures. Among the legendary artists, 14 artworks (12 paintings and 2 sculptures) are displayed, with contributions from Ramkinkar Baij (6), MF Husain (1), Abdur Rahman Chughtai (1), KG Subramanyan (3), Tyeb Mehta (1), and Jangarh Singh Shyam (2). Eminent senior artists have donated 18 works (12 paintings and 6 sculptures,) among them Lalu Prasad Shaw (6), Niranjan Pradhan (6 sculptures), and Suktisubhra Pradhan (6). Moreover, guest artists from all over India have contributed 40 pieces of work (36 paintings and 4 sculptures), including works by Dr. Sanjeev Kishore Goutam (4), Chandranath Das (6), Kamaldeep Dhar (4 sculptures), Vimal Chand (4), Amit Kalla (5), Radhey Shyam (4), Partha Shaw (6), Shashikala Singh (4), and Japani Shyam (3).

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