Born in Kolkata, Sumantra Mukherjee holds a Bachelor’s degree
in Visual Arts. His style of art is very unique. He usually does portraiture with
distorted expressions and emotions with a streak of realism. His works are
visually very impactful with a very strong ability to convey the masked
emotions.
Sumantra
has participated in various group exhibitions since 2002 and had his first solo
show - CLOUD NINE in 2009. In the last couple of years his works have been
exhibited in THE PRESENT IS NOW, curated by Peter Nagy, a Bestcollegeart.com
initiative. EXTEND BEYOND curated by Manas Acharya in Studio 21 (initiative of
CIMA Art Gallery) Kolkata.
Freedom, 78 x 58 in, Acrylic, oil bar, charcoal on canvas, Rs 1,00,000
This work is titled FREEDOM !
The artwork justifies the title in more than one
ways. Firstly, it is just emotions let loose. A work, primary initiated in a stroke
of insanity. The expression on the face is relaxed, still the emotions are so
strong. Secondly, the numerics 1947 forming their shape through the curvatures
of the face cuts are exemplary. 1947 is the year of freedom for all Indians!
Too see 26+1, 27 individual works arranged, 16.5 x 22 in each, Acrylic paint on paper board charcoal
The present body of works is grotesque depiction of faces.
This work titled 26+1 showcases
the continually changing face of the society paralleled by desired and the
undesired faces alike.
The work assembles the images of
women in their vicious best. Surrounding it is the age old Hindu epitome of creation
& destruction LORD SHIVA meditating, unaffected by all that is engulfing
his calm presence. The pivotal placement of Lord Shiva makes us think as if he
is contemplating his surroundings. Symbolically used there as the DEITY
blessing women with desired male companions since time immemorial, the Lord
here seems ironically undisturbed by the distractions around.
The placement is also characteristic
of his unique omnipresent nature. It also highlights his being the ultimate
creator and the destroyer. The title finds its meaning in the fact that Lord
Shiva (1) leads the world (26) even while being a part of the group (26 + 1).
A critical analysis might render
it as being too blatant and almost vulgar in its depiction of Lord Shiva
surrounded by the opposite gender.
Shiv Kali, 78 x 108 in, Acrylic, oil bar on canvas
Cloud 9, 58 x 78 in, Acrylic on canvas
So basically, Sumantra's visual language deals with bright imaginaries with an expressionist attitude.
Bestcollegeart.com, being an incubation hotbed of young contemporary talent has successfully sold many phenomenal works of this exceptional artist.
The article is written by
Shruti Singh, the manager of Bestcollegeart.com. The thoughts and opinions
expressed, entirely belongs to the writer.
