Jogen Chowdhury, the celebrated Indian painter and former Member of Parliament for the Trinamool Congress (TMC), passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 87 in a Kolkata hospital. Chowdhury had been battling a myeloproliferative neoplasm, a rare form of blood cancer, for over a year.
Chowdhury's death was confirmed by Ruby General Hospital, where he had been admitted since October 16. The hospital stated that he succumbed to his illness at 10:15 a.m. on October 25, 2026. In addition to his cancer treatment, Chowdhury had also been hospitalized for urinary tract infections during his illness.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari expressed his condolences, highlighting Chowdhury's enduring legacy in the art world. Adhikari noted that Chowdhury's contributions are immortalized in various government buildings, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan, and described his works as a treasure for both the state and the nation.
Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also paid tribute, calling Chowdhury the pride of Bengal and India. She remembered him as a f. Banerjee recalled his tenure in the Rajya Sabha from 2014 to 2020 and mentioned that her government had honored him with the Banga Bibhushan award in 2012.
Painter Samir Aich and Bengali writer Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay joined in mourning the loss. Aich described Chowdhury's passing as a personal loss and a significant blow to the art form in the country, particularly the Bengal School of Art. Mukhopadhyay shared memories of their friendship and the intellectual discussions they enjoyed together, emphasizing the void left by Chowdhury's death.
Born on February 16, 1939, in Daharpara village, then part of undivided Bengal, Chowdhury's artistic journey began under the influence of his mother, who practiced 'alpana', a traditional floor art. His family relocated to Kolkata during the Partition, where he pursued formal art education.
Chowdhury's career started as an art teacher at Howrah Zilla School, followed by a position as a designer with the Handloom Board in Kolkata in 1962. His artistic pursuits took him to Paris in the late 1960s, where he studied at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts. Upon returning to India, he developed a distinctive style that combined elements from political and social themes with influences from Indian and European art movements.
Chowdhury's works are renowned for their unique visual language, and his artistic contributions have left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape. His house in Santiniketan, with its red earth and distinctive scenery, served as a significant
As the art community and admirers worldwide mourn the loss of Jogen Chowdhury, his legacy continues to resonate through his extensive body of work, ensuring that his influence will endure for generations to come.
