Akara Art

MANJIT BAWA

Akara Modern

1941 -2008

Manjit Bawa, a modernist master of the figurative genre, was born in Dhuri, Punjab, India, and lived and worked for most of his life in New Delhi. He completed his diploma in Silk Screen Printing at the London School of Printing, Essex. Between 1967 and 1971, he presented his solo shows in London and St. Sebastian in Spain. Soon after he returned to India, he continued to showcase his works in numerous solo, group, and international exhibits.

A figurative painter from the beginning of his career, Bawa has achieved excellence that only practice, skill, and grit can afford. Figuration in the arts is a challenge that not many artists can overcome, but Bawa was a true genius of his craft, bringing simplicity within his figuration. There is a zen element that’s observed in his works which comes into it indirectly. All his works have an undercurrent of Sufi mysticism - a facet that instinctively charms the viewer. He also derives inspiration from miniature paintings of Rajasthan. The sense-saturating expanse of colour fields that create space and define the contour of figures makes Manjit Bawa’s repertoire a treasure of Indian art.

Manjit has held several exhibitions around the world venues including the Centre for International Modern Art (CIMA), Kolkata (2008); New York (1985); the Royal Academy London (1982); and the Hirshhorn Museum, Washington DC (1982). Even after his death, his works have remained popular, featuring in exhibitions at the Aicon Gallery in London, Bodhi Art in Mumbai, and the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi.