Ramkinkar’s Paintings and Sculptures
Article written by Devaleena Joardar
Ramkinkar Baij was born in Bankura. He was not economically strong but with his curious eyes, talent, and determination, he emerged to be one of the most distinguished modern artists of India.
Ramkinkar Balj 1906-1980
Ramkinkar Baij’s initial learning started in his own hometown. He observed the lifestyle of the tribals or the Santhals, the local communities and craftsmen, and clay model makers. keenly. With his small but deft fingers, he moulded clay and carved out figures.
Born during the tumultuous British Raj times, Ramkinkar Baij also joined the Non-Cooperation Movement. He painted portraits of Indian freedom fighters. The local people and the nationalists who knew him appreciated his work. When he was 16 years old, the renowned journalist Ramananda Chatterjee saw him as a prodigious artist for his age, and suggested him to join Kala Bhavan at Shantiniketan.
In 1925, Baij joined the Kala Bhavan and thus began his spiritual journey of art in a formal way. The intellectual and liberating environment of Shantiniketan, the guidance of Nandalal Bose, and with the blessings of Rabindranath Tagore, his artistic skills got refined and he achieved a new height.
After completing diploma from Kala Bhavan, Ramkinkar Baij joined as a faculty member.
Nandalal Bose, Benode Bihari Mukherjee, and Ramkinkar Baij played a crucial role in establishing Shantiniketan as the hub of modern art in pre-Independence India. This institute became a centre for various art experimentations, which opened avenues for students of art. it allowed them to express their views and develop their visions..Ramkinkar Baij was a creative genius. His innovative subject matter and unique style is reflected in the sculptures created by him. These sculptures are placed across the campus at Shantiniketan.
Sculpture of Radharani Devi
Sculpture of Rabindranath Tagore
One of Ramkinkar’s exquisite piece is the sculpture of The Santhal Family, which he made in 1938. This sculpture is in Shantiniketan. It has a divine grace, which was previously only limited to images of Gods and rulers. He was radical in his approach and method. He used both cement and laterite mortar to create his sculptures. Also previously, all public art works were undertaken on the request of the Government and on the likes and tastes of the elite class. Figure of Yakshi by Ramkinkar Baij is placed at the Reserve Bank of India, New Delhi. It depicts prosperity through agriculture.
Ramkinkar Baij was invited to participate in the Salon des Realités Nouvelles in 1950 and Salon de Mai in 1951. He received the Padma Bhushan in 1976. In 1976, he was made the fellow of the Lalit Kala Akademi. He was also conferred the Desikottama by Visva Bharati in 1976 and received an honorary D. Litt by Rabindra Bharati University in 1979.
Mr Prabhas Kejariwal of Chitrakoot Art Gallery and Mr Ashatit Halder of Charulata are jointly organizing an exhibition of Ramkinkar’s Paintings and Sculptures from 6 April to 6 May, 2025 at Chitrakoot Art Gallery from 2 to 6 pm. We invite you all to visit and appreciate the works of the legendary sculptor and painter, and recognize the dedication of the organizers in promoting, preserving, and conserving the art and culture of our country.
