A large-scale retrospective exhibition is all set to open on the legendary yet fairly unknown artist, Lalit Mohan Sen (1898-1954) at Emami art gallery on 14th July 2023 curated by Debdutt Gupta. An exhibition that shall highlight the life story of this unknown personality and showcase some of his seminal works of art including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, design works and more. This could potentially peak any art lover’s interest in the mysterious artist. Who is Lalit Mohan Sen? What kind of an artist was he? About his style of art and medium. Before, you can witness his works of art in the flesh. Let’s explore the unknown and learn a little more about this artist and his works.
Who is Lalit Mohan Sen?
Despite his success during his lifetime, Lalit Mohan Sen is now a forgotten artist, lost to obscurity in the annals of art history. Lalit Mohan Sen’s artistic versatility knew no bounds. He effortlessly wielded oils and poster colours on canvas, brought life to his visions with tempera on paper, and expertly captured moments through pencil, pen and ink, as well as dry pastel. His creativity extended beyond traditional mediums, as he experimented with linocuts, woodcuts, and etchings. Not limited to two-dimensional art, he also dabbled with photography and sculpture. His talent extended to textile design, with one of his creations earning the prestigious honour of being displayed at the All India Art in Industry Exhibition in 1944. In 1943, Lalit Mohan Sen’s exceptional photographic skills earned him the recognition of having one of his photographs selected for the esteemed third All India Salon. Furthermore, his artistic prowess extended beyond photography, as his captivating paintings now grace the esteemed collections of the V&A Museum in London and the prestigious Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
From the Beginning
But before we delve into his artistic prowess, let us trace his early life and beginnings into the art fraternity. He was born in Shantipur, West Bengal, Lalit Mohan Sen embarked on his artistic journey with studies at the Lucknow Art School in 1917. He further honed his skills at the prestigious Royal College of Art in London, specializing in impasto oil painting, wood engraving, and photography. Notably, he was among the four Indian artists commissioned to create frescoes for the newly constructed India House in London in 1930.
Mediums and More
Sen’s artistic talent knew no bounds as he effortlessly explored a multitude of artistic mediums. His extensive body of work showcased his prowess in capturing his inspiration from the time he spent in England. Additionally, he created posters that promoted tourism in Kashmir, skillfully capturing the essence of his subjects through portraits of fellow artists and nationalist leaders like Rabindranath Tagore. In his repertoire he created stunning pieces out of woodcuts and etchings, showcasing his artistic experiments with Cubism and embracing the design trends popular in Calcutta during that era. Lalit Mohan Sen’s artistic repertoire encompasses a diverse range of subjects, spanning from captivating portrayals of animals and deities to evocative abstract designs. His artistic gaze extends to include captivating portraiture, serene landscapes, the beauty of nature, and the delicate portrayal of the human form in nude studies.
Sen’s Art Style
As a painter, Sen demonstrated his mastery of oils, creating vivid and expressive works of art. He brought to life the enchanting beauty of landscapes, skillfully capturing the play of light and shadow on hills and valleys. According to Devdutt Gupta, the curator of Lalit Mohan Sen’s artworks in the earlier exhibition and the upcoming exhibition at Emami Art Gallery, “Lalit Mohan’s Western women were very different from those from Himachal. The latter have a more isolated look.” in an article in the Telegraph published in 2014.
Whether depicting serene mountainscapes or vibrant countryside scenes, his paintings exuded a sense of tranquility and an appreciation for the natural world. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human expressions, he expertly portrayed Bengali and European women, capturing their unique features and personalities.
His portraits revealed a delicate balance between realism and artistic interpretation, conveying a sense of grace and elegance. Sen’s artistic creations serve as a valuable resource for research, a wellspring of inspiration, and a source of pure enjoyment.
Furthermore, Sen’s artistic endeavors were not limited to two-dimensional works. He ventured into sculpture, breathing life into three-dimensional forms. His sculptures demonstrated his ability to manipulate various materials and shapes, resulting in captivating and dynamic compositions.
Lalit Mohan Sen was a master of Western academic realism and Indian Style of painting who took interest in popular art form also. He made unique works of art which had a utilitarian purpose such as Faces made with Brass which were used as an ashtray, sarees with peculiar and vibrant designs and many more artworks.
A Few Years Ago…
An exhibition of his was also inaugurated in 2014 at the Portrait gallery in Victoria Memorial Hall to revive his legacy and etch his name once again within the art world. The interesting aspect of this exhibition however were the efforts of Prabartak Sen, a Santipur resident and descendant of Lalit Mohan Sen. Prabartak’s wife made a significant discovery, finding a substantial collection of Lalit Mohan’s artwork tucked away under a bed and in other unexpected places. Determined that these treasures deserved public appreciation, she insisted on sharing them with others. The exhibition was wonderfully curated by Debdutt Gupta, who is now once again curating a retrospective at Emami Art Gallery.
The maker’s first piece to be offered at auction was “Sunlight” at Bonhams New Bond Street in 2021.The artist died in 1954. Lalit Mohan Sen, once a celebrated artist, has unfortunately slipped into obscurity despite his significant achievements in his prime. However, upcoming exhibitions and fascination of the art connoisseurs may lead him back to the forefront. He was an artist of great calibre, who experimented with many mediums and celebrated the cultural diaspora of India. An artist who could paint beautiful portraits which elicited a softer glance, an artist who has been forgotten for far too long, who deserves great attention and many admirers.
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