Capturing Kolkata’s Soul—Between Dreams and Reality
Bikash Bhattacharjee was a master storyteller who used his brush to narrate the untold stories of everyday life. Born in 1940 in Kolkata, his paintings reflected the socio-political realities of Bengal with haunting precision. His ability to blend realism with surreal elements made his work deeply thought-provoking.
Bhattacharjee’s art was a mirror to society—whether it was the struggles of the working class, the aspirations of the middle class, or the decaying grandeur of old Kolkata. His paintings often carried an eerie, dreamlike quality, where shadows and settings evoked a sense of mystery. The iconic ‘Doll Series’ remains one of his most striking works, portraying lifeless dolls with unsettling human expressions, symbolizing loss, oppression, and hidden emotions.
His women-centric portraits, often capturing loneliness and suppressed desires, are among the most powerful representations of Indian female identity. Using oil and pastels, his technique was impeccable—each stroke bringing his subjects to life with incredible depth and realism.
Winner of the Padma Shri, Bhattacharjee’s legacy remains immortal. His paintings don’t just depict reality; they make the viewer feel its weight, its beauty, and its silent struggles.