Book on noted painter Bikash Bhattacharjee released

New Delhi, Apr 25 (UNI) ''Close to Events: Works of Bikash Bhattacharjee'', a pictorial book on the life and works of one of India's most gifted contemporary painters, was launched by Dr Karan Singh, President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) at an impressive function held here.

Eminent artist and painter Satish Gujral was the Guest of Honour on the occasion.

Authored by Manasij Majumdar, an authority on art and theatre writings and published by Niyogi Books, it deals with Bikash's early life in an old North Calcutta Locality, the urban social ambience that shaped his creative personality and explores why he chose to remain 'close to events' and free from the dominant trends in post- independence Indian art.

The book also unveils the influence and stylistic development of art with detailed exposition of some of the themes and subjects in the major series of his paintings.

The book takes the readers through the world half-created and half-perceived in the paintings of the artist.

Bikash Bhattacharjee, who died on December 18 last year, had evinced a keen interest in this book and spent long hours discussing the project.

''In the Bikash 'Woman', the daring third dimension has emerged as the essence of Indian culture is Shakti - Maha Kali,'' comments celebrated painter M F Husain in the Foreword to the book .

The book contains a number of Bikash's paintings depicting women in different moods. His works have a stunning range of rich and complex imagery in which appear unforgettable faces and figures that no photography can ever match.

''By late September, 2006 we were ready with the first cut of Close to Events: Works of Bikash Bhattacharjee. We showed him a copy. He held the first cut lovingly as though it were a child.

''He expressed the desire to have the book launched on December 22, 2006 when his son and daughter were expected to be with him. But such was not to be. On November 19, he has a cerebral stroke and a month later he passed away,'' informed Bikash D Niyogi, Managing Director, Niyogi Books.

UNI