Ramkinker Baij - His Life, Time and Art

This book is an outcome of my PhD thesis, which I started working from August 2001 and submitted for evaluation in August 2006. I was introduced to Kala Bhawan and its crucial role in development of Modern Indian Art during my Masters studies. The subject slowly grew into a passion and my desire to know and understand the revolutionary Bengal Renaissance was core to the subject chosen for my PhD research- Ramkinker Baij. Ramkinker was rebellion and a follower both as the context and relevance demanded. He was accepted as a follow artist at Kalabhawan by Tagore and Nandlal Bose, when he came to learn at Kalabhawan as a student from these two Grand Masters.

Being a native of Bengal and he was an active participant of the artisans 'co creating and constructing traditional Protima of Ma Durga. He knew the matter and material of being a culturally aware active artists. He knew the music, tone, rhythm, context, and lyrics of the soil and sand. His hands were part of the sensitivity and kinetics of the soil and wind. He experimented with all genres and materials introduced at Kalabhawan and eventually, emerged as pioneer in Environmental Sculptures.

The experimental environment at Kalabhawan with his contemporary artists like Nandlal Bose - known as Mastermoshai and Benode Bihari Mukerjee-under the guidance of Tagore- known as Gurudev; was full of creative energy. The creative energy and experimental aptitude with Gurudev's global approach towards art, life and human existence contributed enough to nourish the artist and his art.

The book presents the artist and his journey in creation of Indian Modern Sculptor. The book also presents Kalabhawan - as most prolific platform for learning and experimenting, thus its vital role is discussed along with the Gurudev's overwhelming persona. The book also contains an interview of Ramkinker Baij- a primary source to look into the artist and his comments the contemporary art.

Hope this book will find a place in the learning process of the artists and art historians of the future.

**Contents and Sample Pages**