(1887 - 1972)
Born in India, Jamini Roy is touted as the “Father of Indian Modern Art” by M. F. Husain. He continues to be one of the most respected artists in India to date. Roy was born to a middle-class family of land-owners in Bankura, West Bengal, in 1887. Growing up surrounded by fervent nationalism and a need to turn to the indigenous arts and crafts, Roy’s works in the 1920s reflected these sentiments. His initial source of inspiration, the Kalighat style of painting, soon gave to an urge to return to his roots, and he turned to the village patuas. His deliberate rejection of the accepted standards of what constituted art marked a turning point in the history of modern art. Some of his iconic works include the “Mother and Child” series, “Gopinis”, the figure of Christ, all with his signature flat colours and simplified brushstrokes which make his art highly accessible. Roy was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award, for his artistic endeavours in 1955. The artist passed away in 1972.