Attend A Kolkata Exhibition Celebrating The Legacy Of Indian Art Virtuoso Lalit Mohan Sen

Lalit Mohan Sen's oeuvre embraced a plethora of mediums, ranging from painting, sculpture, and sketches to photography, textiles, printmaking, pen and ink, and even promotional posters celebrating the allure of Indian tourism.

In the rich tapestry of 20th-century Indian art, there exists a luminary whose brilliance, though often overshadowed by his contemporaries, has left an indelible mark on the country’s artistic landscape. Lalit Mohan Sen, born in 1898 in Nadia, West Bengal, embarked on a creative journey that traversed continents, melding diverse influences to shape a distinctive artistic voice. From his early years in Lucknow to his studies at London's esteemed Royal College of Art, Sen's artistry transcended boundaries, encompassing a captivating fusion of styles, mediums, and themes. Today, as we delve into the captivating world of Lalit Mohan Sen, we unravel the enigmatic artist's extraordinary contributions and his enduring legacy.

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Lalit Mohan Sen's oeuvre embraced a plethora of mediums, ranging from painting, sculpture, and sketches to photography, textiles, printmaking, pen and ink, and even promotional posters celebrating the allure of Indian tourism. His versatility mirrored the dexterity with which he navigated diverse artistic expressions, showcasing an exceptional command over each form.

Block design of Saree by Lalit Mohan SenBritish Library

Photograph of a Dance performance, captured by Lalit Mohan SenBritish Library

With an academic foundation rooted in realism and an astute understanding of the Bengal School's grammar of aesthetics and techniques, Sen masterfully amalgamated Eastern and Western influences. His works breathed life into the canvas, employing impasto oil painting techniques that brought forth a textured depth and vibrancy. The portrayal of animals, deities, abstract designs, portraits, landscapes, nature, and nudes formed a captivating mosaic of subjects within his artistic repertoire.

L: A nude potrait painted in the Western style by Lalit Mohan Sen R: A portrait of a dancing figurine painted in an Eastern Style by Lalit Mohan SenBritish Library

A seated man in a headress: Lithography print by Lalit Mohan SenBritish Library

Lalit Mohan Sen's art is not merely a visual feast but can be a profound source of inspiration for all budding artists. His paintings capture the spirit of an era, preserving the essence of early 20th-century Indian culture, attire, and performance. Each stroke of his brush echoes a story, encapsulating the diverse fabric of a nation undergoing societal shifts. Sen's artistic explorations also extended to the landscapes and figures of Europe, showcasing his ever-curious and cosmopolitan spirit. The fluidity with which he effortlessly transitioned between mediums and subjects serves as a testament to his innate talent and relentless exploration.

Though Sen's artistry garnered acclaim and recognition during his lifetime, the passage of time has shrouded his brilliance in relative obscurity. However, recent efforts have sought to rekindle his artistic flame and resurrect his rightful place in the annals of Indian art. Exhibitions at renowned institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Royal Collections, and the Royal Academy stand as testaments to Sen's talent, showcasing his captivating creations to a wider audience. Notably, the 2018 exhibition Unraveling a Modern Master: The Art of Lalit Mohan Sen at the iconic Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata shed light on his artistic prowess, illuminating his contribution to the artistic legacy of India.

You can witness first-hand some of the most masterful artworks by Sen in Emami Art’s upcoming exhibition, curated by Debdutta Gupta. The exhibition will showcase a significant body of his works, including paintings, sculptures, prints, design works, and photographs, along with his diaries, sketchbooks, and other archival materials. Visit the gallery and immerse yourself in an exquisite experience of a captivating world, where brushstrokes become whispers, colors dance in symphony, and the legacy of a master unfolds.