One of Bengal’s senior-most artists puts new works on display to show he is still active

 One of the new works of Shuvaprasanna on display at the Journey of Shuvaprasanna exhibition.

Shuvaprasanna, a prominent name in Bengal, is showcasing his journey as an artist through an exhibition that presents 37 of his works that include the famous Icons and Metamorphosis series and a fresh exploration of human faces – varied expressions and emotions of the common man.

The exhibition, which opened on Tuesday at the Birla Academy of Art & Culture and which will last until this Sunday, is titled just that, Journey of Shuvaprasanna, and, according to the organisers, “draws viewers into the complexities of human existence, celebrating individuality while resonating with universal emotions”. According to them, the new series delves into human expressions, capturing the essence of everyday individuals from diverse walks of life – a priest, a Muslim man, a poet, a woman, and more.

“Departing from his signature style, he experiments with a distinctive palette of deep reddish tones and black, lending an evocative depth to his subjects. This series is an artistic reflection of the world he observes, bringing forth raw emotions, and compelling narratives within each frame,” they said.

The artist himself made it clear that even though the show was named Journey of Shuvaprasanna, it did not mean that he had reached that point from where one can satisfactorily look back. “I have been painting since my childhood, and my artistic journey has always been about working in series – sometimes comprising 50 or even 100 canvases. For me, satisfaction is never an option. If I were to feel completely satisfied, my creativity would cease to exist. I remain in a constant state of exploration, always searching for something that might truly fulfil me,” Mr. Shuvaprasanna told The Hindu. 

Some of the artist’s most famous series – even though they are not part of this exhibition — delve into Bengal’s historical, cultural, and emotional landscapes. They include The Lament (which portrays human suffering, emaciated figures clawing through refuse); and two about Kolkata – Calcutta Black and White and Metropolis – which show the city belonging to decay, vitality, chaos and order. So how different is that Bengal and Kolkata from the ones of today?

“Not just Bengal or India – the world itself has undergone a transformation. However, speaking specifically of this region, both, their nature and the political landscape, have changed drastically. While democracy has been widely accepted across the globe, those in power often fail to uphold its true spirit. The nature of power is such that it seeks to consolidate itself, leading to authoritarian tendencies, whether in America or Southeast Asia. We, too, are influenced by these shifts, but in India – and particularly in Bengal – we still retain the ability to voice our opinions, protest, and engage in debates. That, in itself, is a sign of resilience.” Mr. Shuvaprasanna said.

He added about the show, “My work is a continuous process, and this exhibition is simply a part of that journey. Whether or not it holds significance ultimately depends on how it resonates with the viewers.”