Modern Art Loses a Maestro: Legendary Painter Jogen Chowdhury Passes Away
Indian modern art loses a maestro. Jogen Chowdhury, former Rajya Sabha MP and renowned painter, dies at 87. Read about his legacy.
The world of Indian art is in mourning following the demise of the legendary painter and academic, artist Jogen Chowdhury, who passed away at the age of 87. A towering figure in the cultural landscape, Chowdhury was celebrated for his distinctive strokes and a vision that redefined the boundaries of Indian modern art.
Tributes Pour in for the Cultural Icon
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendhu Adhikari expressed profound grief over the loss, describing Chowdhury as a "maestro" and a "towering pillar" of the cultural world. In a heartfelt post on X, Adhikari noted that the artist's contributions brought immense international acclaim to West Bengal and that his passing leaves an "irreparable void" in the intellectual and artistic soul of the state.
Adding to the tributes, Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy remembered Chowdhury as one of Bengal's greatest artists and a truly good human being. Roy highlighted the artist's multifaceted talent as both a sculptor and a painter, emphasizing the deep personal bond they shared during Chowdhury's tenure in politics.
A Legacy Beyond the Canvas
Jogen Chowdhury's influence extended far beyond his paintings. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Calcutta Museum of Modern Art (CMOMA) and founded the Jogen Chowdhury Centre of Art near his residence, ensuring that future generations of artists had a space to grow.
His life was a blend of artistic brilliance and public service. Born in 1939 in Daharpara village (now in Bangladesh), Chowdhury's journey took him from the Government College of Art & Craft in Kolkata (1955–1960) to the prestigious École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studied on a scholarship from 1965 to 1967.
A Distinguished Career in Art and Governance
Chowdhury held several prestigious positions throughout his professional life, including:
- Curator of Art at Rashtrapati Bhavan: He served in this esteemed role from 1972 to 1987.
- Professor of Painting: Starting in 1987, he joined the renowned Kala Bhavana in Santiniketan.
- Member of Parliament: He transitioned into national politics, representing the All India Trinamool Congress in the Rajya Sabha from 2014 to 2020.
Acclaim and Masterpieces
The state and international communities recognized his genius through numerous awards. He was honored with the Kalidas Samman in 2001 by the Madhya Pradesh government and the Banga Bibhushan in 2012. His work also gained global visibility at the 2nd Havana Biennale.
Art enthusiasts will remember him through his most iconic works, which continue to inspire viewers worldwide. Among his most famous pieces are:
- Tiger in the Moonlight
- Story of Woman
- Ganapati
- Couple
- Nati Binodini
- The Silver Throne
As West Bengal and the global art community bid farewell to this maestro, his legacy remains etched in the distinctive lines and profound emotions of the canvases he left behind.