| Swapan Kr. Palley |
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‘The femininity of women, their tenderness and grace, specially inspire me’, says the artist, ‘I cannot resist the temptation of portraying their joy, their love and mystery, their patience and suffering in the face of trials and for their unfulfilled desires …’
‘The cave paintings of Ajanta in particular and Indian Arts in general have always attracted me. Through realism, and synchronization of the geometric divisions of the canvas with the aesthetic divisions of the human anatomy, I try to create a new, very personal style. I try to combine the forms of contemporary art with a variety of textures to evoke an atmosphere of mystery and drama in my paintings. This makes the women in my canvases very true, very recognizable. Their smiles and pain become as real as if they had entered into the canvas from the tangible world, even though they remain frozen within the dream world I have created …’
The style of Ajanta, markedly perceptible in the fresco-like format and fluid grace of Swapan’s women, are infinitely appealing to the eye. Yet these women with their elongated, mysteriously vacant eyes, are also vivid figures defined with strong lines, jeweled colors and subtle textures, which weave a wealth of detail, into tautly structured compositions.
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About the Artist
Birth: 1953, West Bengal
Education: Graduated from Indian College of Arts and Draftsmanship (in fine arts) under Rabindra Bharati University, Calcutta (1977) Special study under eminent painter Mr. Prakash Karmakar since 1990.
Solo Exhibitions
• 2002: Art Pilgrim, N. Delhi
• 1995: L.T.G. Arts Gallery, New Delhi.
• 1991: Academy of Fine Arts, Calcutta.
• 1977: Howrah organized by Salkia Chatradal.
Selected Group Exhibitions and Participations (International)
• 2004: “Art Voyage” The Nehru Center, London. .
• 2004: Modern Myth: Changing Images in Indian Art Part-I at Texas, Austin, USA.
• 2002: Dell Jewish Community Center U.S.A., “Modern Manifestations”
Selected Group Exhibitions and Participations (National)
• 2006: Art Fold, Chandigarh, Punjab.
• 2005: Alternative Art Gallery, New Delhi
• 2004: Habitart Center, N. Delhi
• 2004: “Bengal Masters and their students” Academy of Fine Arts Calcutta and N. Delhi
• 2003: Lalit Kala Akademi, N. Delhi org. Art Pilgrim
• 2002: Lalit Kala Akademi, N. Delhi
• 2002: Taj Bengal Calcutta For Cancer Relief Donation
• 2002: The Academy of Fine Arts org. Gallery Katayun, Kolkata
• 2001: Delhi Art Gallery, New Delhi
• 2001: “Galleria”, Mumbai.
• 2001: “Art Today”, N. Delhi, Gallery Katayun, Calcutta, Rennaissance Gallery, Bangalore
• 2000: Jahangir Art Gallery, Mumbai.
• 2000: Academy of Fine Arts, Calcutta.
• 1999: Birla Academy, Calcutta.
• 1999: Birla Academy, Mumbai.
• 1999: Image India Gallery, N. Delhi
• 1999: “Art Access” Birla Academy Mumbai.
• 1999: “Painters of Bengal” Tolly Club org. by Gallery La Mare, Calcutta.
• 1999: Exhibition of Painting org. by RAD, Calcutta.
• 1998: Doumas Art Gallery, Calcutta.
• 1998: Birla Academy of Arts and Culture, Calcutta.
• 1998: “74 hours” Group Show at Gallery CB-56 org. by RAD, Calcutta.
• 1997: “VOX 0033” Group Show Gaganendra Gallery, Calcutta.
• 1997: Inaugural Show, Lake Gallery org. by Lake Gallery, Calcutta.
• 1997: National Kala Mela org. by Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi.
• 1997: “Figment” Birla Academy, Calcutta.
• 1997: Gallery C.B. 56 at Salt Lake, Calcutta.
• 1997: Fifth All India Art Exhibition, Avantika, N.Delhi
• 1997: Durga Art Gallery, Bandra, Mumbai
• 1996: Emerald Isle Gallery, Calcutta.
• 1995: Gallery B.F.56 at Salt Lake, Calcutta.
• 1994: Birla Academy, Calcutta.
• 1994: “Sonar Bangla”, Jahangir Art Gallery Mumbai.
AWARDS
*BEST MERIT in Annual Exhibition of Indian College of Arts and Draftsmanship, Calcutta (1975)
*AWARD by Emerald Isle Gallery Calcutta (1996)
*HONORABLE MENTION in fifth all Indian Art Exhibition by AVANTIKA, N.Delhi (1997)
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