Prantik Chattopadhyay

Prantik Chattopadhyay was born in Kolkata in 1979. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art at the Faculty of Fine Art at M.S. University, Baroda, in 2004. Two years later, he graduated with a Master’s degree in painting from the same institution. 

In addition traditional Indian art forms such as miniatures, the artist draws on folk and tribal art, popular culture, well known religious themes and Bollywood posters as the background of his works. However, Chattopadhyay readapts these to fit a modern context and language, creating a sense of irony and humour in his work. In doing so, he lightly critiques modern society, which he believes is characterized by consumerism and popular culture. 

Chattopadhyay’s style is quite varied. He uses different, often unusual materials in his work including food items preserved in raisin, stickers, ready-made objects, shaped MDF (medium intensity fibreboard) and acrylic sheets, and kinetic sculptures. The use of these materials enhances the satirical effect of his works, and through these he expresses his concern with sociological, political and religious issues. Although most of the works are created on the basis of external stimulus, some of them are inspired by childhood memories and experiences. 

The artist first exhibited his works in a group exhibition, ‘Threshold’ at the Nehru Art Center, Mumbai, in 2005, and had his first solo exhibition in 2006 at Sakshi Gallery in Mumbai. Other galleries in India such as Red Earth Gallery, Baroda; Sarjan Art Gallery, Baroda; and Gallery Sridharani, New Delhi, have exhibited some of his works in group exhibitions. In 2002, Chattopadhyay received the Nasreen Mohamedi Award. 

The artist lives and works in Baroda, India.

(Profile from Saffronart)