Prokash Karmakar

About Prokash Karmakar

Prokash Karmakar (1933–2014) was a highly original blend of Indian sensibilities and western technique. He was educated at the Govt. College of Art & Craft, Kolkata, followed by a French Government Scholarship that enabled him to study in Paris. He was a founder member of "The Calcutta Painters" and "The Society of Contemporary Artists". He represented India at the Sao Paulo Biennale in 1971 and received the National Award from the President of India in 1966 and 1968, along with other awards, including the Abanindra Puraskar from the Govt. of West Bengal. A born draughtsman, he drew as much as he painted. They spoke of his sophisticated sensibility as well as his concern for the simple man. His oeuvre consisted mostly of lush landscapes and nudes executed with great precision.

His solo and group shows took place in France, Switzerland, West Germany, Holland and New York, apart from Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai.

Selected Exhibitions: Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi (1978 and 1984); Trends in Bengal Modern Art, Commonwealth Institute, London (1986); Senguda Biennale Da La Habana, Cuba (1989).

Selected Collections: National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi and Mumbai; Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, Lucknow and Bangalore; Lucknow Museum and Hyderabad Museum; Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Kolkata; Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal; Allahabad Museum, Allahabad; Jane & Kito de Boer, Dubai; Museum of Bengal Modern Art, Kolkata; Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata.