Jogen Chowdhury, a towering figure in Indian art and former Member of Parliament for the Trinamool Congress (TMC), died Sunday morning in Kolkata. He was 87. Chowdhury had been fighting myeloproliferative neoplasm, a rare blood cancer, for 14 months before he finally succumbed to the illness.
The news of Chowdhury's passing came from Ruby General Hospital, where he had been under care since October 16. His health had seen him in and out of the hospital due to complications such as urinary tract infections. The hospital staff expressed deep sorrow over losing such a respected artist.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari offered his respects, underscoring the lasting impact of Chowdhury's art. Adhikari noted that Chowdhury's works are enshrined in several government buildings, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan, and praised them as treasures for both the state and the nation.
Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also voiced her condolences, calling Chowdhury a pride of Bengal and India. She highlighted his global influence on artists and remembered his service as a Rajya Sabha member from 2014 to 2020. Banerjee also pointed out that her administration awarded him the Banga Bibhushan, one of the highest civilian honors in the state, back in 2012.
Painter Samir Aich and Bengali writer Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay were among those mourning Chowdhury's death. Aich called it a personal loss and an end of an era for the Bengal School of Art. Mukhopadhyay, a longtime friend, shared memories of their talks, emphasizing the void Chowdhury's departure leaves behind.
Born on February 16, 1939, in Daharpara village, which was part of undivided Bengal at the time, Chowdhury's artistic roots were nurtured by his mother, who was skilled in 'alpana', a traditional floor art form. After Partition, his family moved to Kolkata, where he pursued formal art studies.
Chowdhury began his career as an art teacher at Howrah Zilla School before moving to a designer position with the Handloom Board in Kolkata in 1962. His artistic journey took him to Paris in the late 1960s, where he honed his unique style at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts.
Returning to India, Chowdhury created a distinct visual language, drawing from political and social issues as well as Indian and European art movements. His work is renowned for its vivid depiction of human emotions and societal themes, leaving a lasting imprint on the art scene.
Chowdhury's ties to Santiniketan, where he owned a home, were profound. The area's red earth and unique landscape often featured in his art, enriching his creative output.
As the global art community and admirers grieve Jogen Chowdhury's death, his legacy remains a beacon for future artists, ensuring his contributions to art and culture will endure.
