Manjit Bawa

About Manjit Bawa

Manjit Bawa (1941–2008) was an Indian contemporary artist known for his distinctive figurative paintings and vibrant use of colour. Born in Dhuri, Punjab, he studied Fine Arts at the College of Art, New Delhi, under artists including Somnath Hore and B.C. Sanyal, and later worked as a silkscreen printer in Britain.

His artistic language was deeply influenced by Indian mythology, Sufi philosophy, Punjabi poetry, and nature. Krishna, Shiva, Kali, Ranjha, birds, animals, and the flute frequently appeared in his paintings. Unlike the muted palette common in much Indian modern art of his time, Bawa became known for his bold use of reds, pinks, violets, blues, and greens.

His work combined simplified, stylised human and animal forms with a strong sense of spirituality and stillness. He received the National Award from Lalit Kala Akademi in 1980 and remained an important figure in Indian contemporary art until his death in 2008.