Probal Banerjee

Probal Banerjee was born on January 1, 1969, in Calcutta, West Bengal, India. He is a natural artist. Even before completing his professional course in Art and Painting at the Government College of Art & Craft, Calcutta, he had been exhibiting his art in various galleries in Kolkata. This artist completed his professional art course in 1993. His family heritage significantly influences the eclectic style that Probal Banerjee showcases in his paintings. He has a spiritual inclination, which he inherited but adapted to fit his personality. While there is no overt religiosity or spirituality in his choice of subjects, his forms, influenced by Eastern Impressionism or Post-Impressionism and incorporating folk elements, exhibit a spiritual sobriety and focus in depicting lyrical beauty. The mythical world has been a source of inspiration in his paintings, which he portrays from the perspective of Indian Art and Painting. Through his use of linearity, he creates visual pleasure that reveals the hidden beauty in life.

At one time, he was influenced by the richer Western Modernistic idioms, but to fully grasp them, he realized that creating a distinct expression requires some connection to tradition. This realization marked the beginning of his search for roots. He explored the mystical thoughts of Indian Philosophy and religious traditions, as well as the rich heritage of folklore and myth embedded in our historical and pre-historical past. He developed a spiritual inclination. His travels to various places may have inspired his search for a mystical truth. His use of color and texture is very rich and has opened a new direction in our Modernistic Identity. His paintings form a continuum, avoiding the risk of self-repetition. Each time, a new aspect of the same theme is presented, offering a fresh perspective on his work. Yet, his artwork is notable for creating its own space and an aesthetic sanctuary for its viewers. Painting is his passion for expressing his thoughts and feelings.