Nikhil Biswas-The Van Gogh of Kolkata

Article written by Devaleena Joardar

Nikhil Biswas was an indefatigable modern Indian artist who made significant contribution to art in the 1950s and 1960s. He made several line drawings with ink and paintings. His abstract and figurative sketches reflect the intensity of turbulent period before and after the Independence of India. The paintings of Nikhil Biswas delt with issues of Bengal famine, the partition of India, the India-China War of 1961, and so on.

Within his short lifespan of 36 years, his artistic style evolved greatly. Biswas’s use of thick black ink and fine lines, expressive use of colours, and use of innovative but inexpensive materials for art allowed him to produce works on struggle, conflict, and survival. He also used animals as metaphors for human battles. His pen and ink drawing of horses is very popular. It exudes strength and power.

Nikhil Biswas drew inspiration from Michelangelo. He used allegorical myths of both Europe and Asia in his drawings and paintings. Biswas believed Christ was the symbol of human compassion, pain, and sufferings. His series on clown explores the complexities of life and emotions. It shows both humour and tragedy of man. Series of fights are shown in bold lines to communicate the tussle between man and beast, and to understand the emotional weight of each character in the painting.

Nikhil Biswas was the founding member of several art groups, such as the Calcutta Painters Group and Society of Contemporary Artists. He played an active role to introduce new techniques into his works and challenge the traditional forms within Indian art.

10,000 paintings of Nikhil Biswas leave a legacy for the art world. Many of his works are preserved in the permanent collection of the Halle Museum in Dresden, Germany.

His first solo exhibition in 1954 in Calcutta gave him public recognition. After this he participated in several solo and group shows in Bombay and Calcutta, and a joint exhibition with Sarbari Roy Choudhury at Max Mueller Bhavan in 1965. Many galleries exhibit his works posthumously to promote the lineage of modern Indian artists.

Nikhil Biswas has received many accolades for his creative approach, knowledge, and depth of art. These awards not only praise his works but also acknowledge the contemporary art movements emanating from Calcutta at that time.

From 22 February to 22 March, 2025 Mr. Prabhas Kejariwal of Chitrakoot Art Gallery and Mr. Ashatit Halder of Charulata are jointly exhibiting the paintings of The Van Gogh of Kolkata-Nikhil Biswas, at Chitrakoot Art Gallery from 2 pm to 6 pm. All passionate artists, connoisseurs, students and teachers are encouraged to visit this exhibition.