Binode Behari Mukherjee - Indian Modern Artist

Binode Behari Mukherjee

INDIAN MODERN ARTIST
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- Born in 1904 in West Bengal, India
- Died in 1980, India
- Lived and worked in India, Nepal and Tokyo
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Binode BIhari Mukherjee Mapping
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UNDERSTANDING THE ARTIST
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Benode Behari Mukherjee imbibed to the idea of a context sensitive modernism as he experimented with the Indian painting traditions of Rajput and Mughal miniatures, Western modern art, Far- Eastern traditions of calligraphy as well as Japanese and Chinese Ink And Wash style to create something befitting for the new India. 
Being myopic in one eye and blind in the other since birth, Benode Behari Mukherjee could not pursue normal schooling but born into a well-educated family in Behala, Bengal who recognised his exceptional interest in art and literature. He was able to pursue his vocation at the art faculty- Kala Bhawan at Shantiniketan. He was taught under great artists like Nandalal Bose and went on to achieve great feats. He was invited to be the Curator at the Nepal Government Museum, Kathmandu and later he taught at the Banathali Vidyapith, Rajasthan. On his return to Kala Bhawan, he lost his eyesight in an unsuccessful cataract operation in 1956. 
Benode Behari simplified the picture to represent his immediate surroundings. This is why he is associated with modernity in all spheres, from conceptualization to execution. A blind child from a poor family did not have much exposure to the grandiose and he aspired to create works that would kindle spirituality in the everyday things.  
Later in his life, the sharp lines of pen ink and graphite give way to blurred lines and brush strokes that are not only symbolic of his close association with Japanese artistic traditions but also of the blurring of his own vision. 
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SELECTED IMAGES
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.Benode Behari Mukherjee, Cat Jumped over the Table, 1963, paper-cut, 19x25 cm
Benode Behari Mukherjee, Cat Jumped over the Table, 1963, paper-cut, 19x25 cm

 

Benode Behari Mukherjee, Flowers, 1945
Benode Behari Mukherjee, Flowers, 1945

 

Benode Behari Mukherjee, Laughter, tempera on paper
Benode Behari Mukherjee, Laughter, tempera on paper

 

Benode Behari Mukherjee, Sar Grass, 1938, tempera on paper
Benode Behari Mukherjee, Sar Grass, 1938, tempera on paper

 

Benode Bihari Mukherjee, Man Seated on Chair, 1962, marker on paper
Benode Bihari Mukherjee, Man Seated on Chair, 1962, marker on paper

 

Collage | Mukherjee, Benode Behari | V&A Explore The Collections
Benode Bihari Mukherjee, Jatra, paper collage, 25 x 19 cm

 

Benode Behari Mukherjee, The Tree Lover, 1932, tempera on paper
Benode Behari Mukherjee, The Tree Lover, 1932, tempera on paper

 

Benode Behari Mukherjee, Untitled, watercolour on paper pasted on mount board, 5 x 3 in
Benode Behari Mukherjee, Untitled, watercolour on paper pasted on mount board, 5 x 3 in

 

Benode Behari Mukherjee, Studio, tempera on paper
Benode Behari Mukherjee, Studio, tempera on paper

 

Benode Bihari Mukherjee, Figure on Buffalo, 1958, wax
Benode Bihari Mukherjee, Figure on Buffalo, 1958, wax

 

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