(24 August, 1927 - 6 January, 2014)
Baldev Raj Panesar was born in Punjab on 24 August, 1927. He was a renowned Indian artist. After completing his Master's in Economics and obtaining a post-graduate diploma in Statistics from the Indian Statistical Institute, he turned to painting. In 1974, he was a member of the Society of Contemporary Artists, Kolkata, included the prominent artists, such as, Sunil Das, Ganesh Pyne, Bikash Bhattacharjee, Jogen Chowdhury, and Jatin Das.
Panesar’s abstract compositions are well-balanced, with muted colours and subtle tonal shades that enhance the overall impact of his work. In his early experiments with collage. he, as a modernist and abstractionist in the Indian context, took the art of collage-making to a different level. Although he had no formal training in art, his passion for painting led him into the art world. Over time, he learned the details of the crafts and created magic on the canvas. The exciting mess of ripped paper sometimes created recognizable shapes. More often, it was used for semi-abstract cityscapes and landscapes with a dramatic effect. The paintings show quick, horizontal strokes arranged vertically, giving a sense of movement. He used oils, pens and inks, collages, acrylics for his compositions.
Panesar has exhibited his art in India and abroad. His works are part of the collections at the Lalit Kala Academy in New Delhi, Birla Academy of Art and Culture in Kolkata, and the Government Museum in Chandigarh and has received seven awards.
B. R. Panesar passed away on 6 January, 2014.
