Sunil Das

He was an influential Indian artist renowned for his mastery in capturing dynamic figures, particularly horses and bulls, through his meticulous drawings and paintings. Born in Calcutta on 4th August 1939, Das exhibited exceptional talent early in his life. His academic journey in art began at the Government College of Arts and Crafts in Calcutta in 1955, and he soon became the only Indian artist to win the Lalit Kala Akademi's National Award while still an undergraduate in 1959.

In pursuit of furthering his artistic education, Das was awarded a French government scholarship and went to study at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. There, he trained under notable figures such as S. William Hayter and Krishna Reddy at Atelier 17, gaining exposure to the modernist movements of Europe.

Das’s early work is marked by an obsession with the study of horses and bull. Between 1950 and 1960, he created thousands of drawings of horses, spending countless hours at Calcutta's mounted police stables. His passion for capturing the energy and power of animals continued in Europe, particularly in Spain, where he witnessed bullfights and responded with several drawings and paintings of bulls. These works symbolized not only the raw power of the animals but also reflected his own youthful energy, aggression, and longing for liberation.

In addition to his animal-themed works, Das explored the societal pressures faced by women in a surrealistic style. His ability to portray complex emotions and intense subjects earned him the respect of his peers, with F. N. Souza famously stating that Das’s art dealt with themes of death and horror, positioning him as a master of the horrific in art.

Das was known for his experimentation with different techniques, mediums, and styles, evolving throughout his career. His legacy lives on through his innovative works, which continue to capture both the wild energy of the natural world and the deep emotional undercurrents of human experience. He passed away on 10th August 2015 in Kolkata, leaving behind a lasting impact on Indian contemporary art.