RHYTHMS OF LIFE: A RETROSPECTIVE PAINTINGS SHOW OF ASHOKE MUKHERJEE

Posted: 4 April 2025

Rhythms of Life: A Retrospective Celebration of Ashok Mukherjee’s Artistic Legacy

THE ART WORLD GATHERED IN ADMIRATION AT THE RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION, RHYTHMS OF LIFE, A TRIBUTE TO THE ILLUSTRIOUS ASHOKE MUKHERJEE (1913–1969), A DEFINING FIGURE OF THE LATE BENGAL SCHOOL.

Hosted at the CHARUBASONA ART GALLERY, located within the renowned Jogen Chowdhury Centre for Art Center in Kolkata, curated by eminent artist Jogen Chowdhury, Debajyoti Roy and Shreyan Banerjee, this exhibition was nothing short of mesmerizing.

From March 22nd to 30th, visitors embarked on a journey through time, experiencing the profound essence of Mukherjee’s artistic genius.

The exhibition showcased 67 captivating paintings, each a testament to the artist’s ability to capture life’s nuances and rhythm in his works. Ashoke Mukherjee’s creations, rooted in the rich traditions of the Bengal School, resonated deeply with the spirit of his era while illuminating the universal themes of human existence. As attendees explored these visual masterpieces, they were transported into an era where art reflected culture, history, and emotions in perfect harmony.

Ashoke Mukherjee: The Forgotten Master of Rhythms

Ashoke Mukherjee (1913–1969) was a pioneering voice of the Surrealist Movement in India, whose artistic genius has sadly faded from popular memory. In 1956, he stood alongside contemporaries like Arany Banerjee and Hemanta Mishra, yet his work was often lauded as the most significant among them. Mukherjee’s diverse creations spanned a variety of styles, showcasing his mastery across mediums such as pen, ink, pastel, charcoal, Conté, water colour, tempera, gouache and oil.

His art captured the vibrancy of Indian life and landscape, from the folk-inspired paintings of Odisha to sunlit watercolors expressing the moods of six Indian seasons. However, his later works took a darker turn, shaped by the anguish of World War II, the Bengal famine, and the pain of partition. These experiences deeply affected Mukherjee, leading him to paint haunting faces distorted by suffering—a stark reflection of a broken world.

Ashoke Mukherjee’s life was a blend of artistic brilliance and emotional depth. Born in Khardah, West Bengal, he pursued his education in Kolkata and spent time teaching before dedicating himself to painting. Though his world crumbled in his final years, Mukherjee’s legacy lives on through the power and versatility of his art, a testament to his unmatched skill and sensitivity. His story reminds us of the rhythms of life—both beautiful and heartbreaking—that define the human experience.

The Enduring Legacy of Rhythms of Life

Ashoke Mukherjee’s artistry continues to captivate and inspire, even decades after his passing. Through exhibitions spanning Ranchi, Bombay, Delhi and beyond, his works transcended borders and earned international acclaim. The retrospective exhibition, Rhythms of Life, honored this extraordinary journey, bringing to light the profound beauty and emotions embedded in his creations.

A Legacy Yet to Unfold

The release of the album in 1997, featuring six of Ashoke Mukherjee’s breathtaking paintings and accompanied by Sandip Sarkar’s eloquent write-up, was a touching homage to the artist’s unparalleled contributions. In the presence of esteemed figures, including Hon’ble Chief Minister Jyoti Basu, the event became a moment of recognition for Mukherjee’s creative brilliance.

Even today, his legacy remains vibrant, with numerous undisclosed masterpieces held by his family, awaiting their moment to enchant the world. As art enthusiasts continue to rediscover Mukherjee’s work, the promise of his unseen creations fuels the anticipation of uncovering more chapters from his fascinating journey through the rhythms of life.

While much of his art has been celebrated, treasures from Mukherjee’s personal collection remain untapped, waiting to share their stories with the world. As we reflect on his legacy, Rhythms of Life stands as a poignant reminder of Mukherjee’s unparalleled contributions to Indian art—a rhythm that continues to resonate in the hearts of art enthusiasts everywhere.