Debiprasad, an artist from West Bengal, starts by introducing himself. He reflects on his educational journey, starting with a Bachelor’s degree from the Government College of Art and Craft and a Master’s from Delhi College of Art. He has been based in Delhi since 2016, where he maintains a studio near Indira Gandhi Open University. Debiprasad recalls his early fascination for drawing, which began even before formal education. His mother, an expert in embroidery on textiles, nurtured his talent and became his first teacher. Encouragement from competitions and achievements further fueled his passion.
He recounts seeking guidance from a teacher in 2007, spending a year under their tutelage before joining Rabindra Bharati University for a year in 2011. Although he left to pursue his Bachelor’s at the Government College of Art and Craft, the time spent at Rabindra Bharati remained significant, fostering lasting bonds with professors, especially in the sculpture faculty. Debiprasad shares how he considered going to Shantiniketan for higher studies but decided to go to Delhi because of the opportunities and connections available. Leaving Kolkata, he wanted to see a big city, feeling that Delhi could provide financial support and professional exposure he wanted. Even though Baroda was an option, the decision to study at the Delhi College of Art turned out to be a defining moment.
Delhi, with its rich art scene, opened new doors for Debiprasad. Before joining the college in 2016, he participated in a group show at Lalit Kala Akademi, which was his introduction to the capital’s artistic community. Over time, he familiarized himself with the city’s cultural landscape, relying on social media and networks to stay informed about exhibitions and events.
After graduation in 2018, he worked from his personal studio doing freelance projects and even taught art at a school for two years. He has mentioned that grants and scholarships played an important role in his growth, such as the Birla Award for sculpture and a National Young Artist Scholarship. Debiprasad has exhibited his work in galleries such as Kalakriti in Hyderabad and Akar Prakar in Kolkata and Delhi, and art fairs and design exhibitions. He is very thoughtful about choosing the material and theme and emphasizes that in his creation process. He uses objects like roof tiles, rice, and iron to reflect rural life and create an iconic visual dialogue. For him, art is more than a form of self-expression. It is a way to speak to broader societal narratives. He knows that his work will never reach the very people it is talking about but believes in its ability to connect with a larger audience.
Debiprasad concludes by saying that he loves exploring multimedia and unconventional materials. He believes that these choices are not random but deeply connected to his concepts, which enhance the dialogue between his work and the viewers. Through his art, he bridges personal memories, cultural motifs, and universal themes, striving to create something meaningful and enduring.
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