Rightfully called founding father of the modern Indian sculpture, Ramkinkar Baij’s oeuvre, including paintings and sculptures, involved immense experimentation. For example, his usage of cement, laterite and mortar for public sculptures marked a new precedent. His works made in sand and pebble are noteworthy for a lyrical sensuality that shares an extreme oneness with nature.
One of the most distinguished early modernists in the history of Indian art, he can also be considered as the modern Indian sculpture’s founding father. A multi-faceted creator - an iconic sculptor, painter and a graphic artist, all rolled in one - his blending of both Indian pre-classical sculptural methods and Western principles added a radical touch to his works that inspired the coming generations of artists.
Although more known for his elegant expressionistic sculpture, the artist was an equally gifted painter. Ramkinkar Baij was born in Bankura of West Bengal, into a humble family. He had to struggle hard to pursue his passion for art, and did so by sheer determination. In 1925, he joined Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan, where he studied under Nandalal Bose. The liberating intellectual environment at the world-renowned institution shaped his artistic skills.
After completing his Diploma in Fine Arts from the Visva-Bharati University, he became a faculty member there in 1934. Later, he headed the Kala Bhavan’s Department of Sculpture. In fact, the trio of Nandalal Bose, Benodebehari Mukherjee and Ramkinkar Baij played a major role in the evolution of Santiniketan as an important center for modern art especially in pre-Independent India.
Nature and his own versatile folk background were among the crucial aspects in the formation of his own inimitable style. He felt that it was only momentum that would create tension in an artwork characterized by a tremendous flow of energy. His art exuded vigor, joy, and vitality, keen to reach out to light.
One of the most distinguished early modernists in the history of Indian art, he can also be considered as the modern Indian sculpture’s founding father. A multi-faceted creator - an iconic sculptor, painter and a graphic artist, all rolled in one - his blending of both Indian pre-classical sculptural methods and Western principles added a radical touch to his works that inspired the coming generations of artists.
Although more known for his elegant expressionistic sculpture, the artist was an equally gifted painter. Ramkinkar Baij was born in Bankura of West Bengal, into a humble family. He had to struggle hard to pursue his passion for art, and did so by sheer determination. In 1925, he joined Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan, where he studied under Nandalal Bose. The liberating intellectual environment at the world-renowned institution shaped his artistic skills.
After completing his Diploma in Fine Arts from the Visva-Bharati University, he became a faculty member there in 1934. Later, he headed the Kala Bhavan’s Department of Sculpture. In fact, the trio of Nandalal Bose, Benodebehari Mukherjee and Ramkinkar Baij played a major role in the evolution of Santiniketan as an important center for modern art especially in pre-Independent India.
Nature and his own versatile folk background were among the crucial aspects in the formation of his own inimitable style. He felt that it was only momentum that would create tension in an artwork characterized by a tremendous flow of energy. His art exuded vigor, joy, and vitality, keen to reach out to light.
No comments:
Post a Comment