In the evolving landscape of Indian contemporary art, several artists of considerable merit have developed substantial bodies of work outside the immediate spotlight of the art market. Two such figures from Kolkata—sculptor Asim Basu (b. 1947) and abstract painter Sunil De (b. 1948)—are receiving renewed attention through an initiative planned for the 2026–2027 season by Aakriti Art Gallery.
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Both artists belong to a generation that matured during a period of transition in Indian art, when modernist practices were consolidating while new approaches to abstraction and form were emerging. Over the past four decades, Basu and De have pursued deeply personal artistic paths shaped by sustained studio practice rather than by the dynamics of self-promotion or market visibility.
Asim Basu, trained at the Government College of Art & Craft in Kolkata, has developed a sculptural language rooted in the expressive possibilities of the human figure. Working primarily in metal and bronze, his sculptures often capture moments of reflection and everyday interaction, balancing figurative elements with subtle abstraction. His work is noted for its quiet narrative quality and emotional restraint, transforming ordinary human gestures into contemplative sculptural forms.
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Sunil De, by contrast, has dedicated his practice to abstraction. His paintings are characterised by vibrant colour relationships, layered textures, and gestural movement. Rather than depicting identifiable subjects, his canvases explore the expressive potential of colour and rhythm, producing compositions that evoke mood, movement, and sensory experience.
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Despite the depth and maturity of their practices, both artists have remained relatively outside the more visible circuits of the contemporary art world. Their reputations have instead developed gradually through exhibitions, critical engagement, and the support of collectors familiar with their work.
In the coming months, Aakriti Art Gallery plans to organise a series of exhibitions and events dedicated to the two artists, presenting a wide range of sculptures and paintings created across different phases of their careers. The initiative aims to provide audiences and collectors with a broader opportunity to engage with their work and to re-examine their place within the evolving narrative of modern and contemporary Indian art.
The renewed focus on Basu and De also reflects a growing interest in reassessing artists whose contributions have matured quietly over time—reminding viewers that some of the most enduring artistic practices develop away from the immediate visibility of the marketplace.
Aakriti Art Gallery
(A unit of Chisel Crafts Pvt. Ltd.)
Orbit Enclave, First Floor 12/3A,
Hungerford Street Kolkata-700 017
Phones : +91 33 22893027 / +91 33 22895041
Fax No : +91 33 22895042
E-Mail : art.aakriti@gmail.com
