(1936-18 October, 2016)
Suhas Roy was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 1936 and he was an eminent Indian modern artist. He holds Diploma in painting from Indian College of Art and Draftsmanship, Kolkata. Also, he studied Graphic Art under S.W. Hayter at Atelier 17, Paris and Murals at L’ Ecole Superior Das Bank Art, Paris. From 1971 to 1973, he served as the principal of the Indian College of Art and Draftsmanship. Between 1974 and 1981, he was a painting lecturer at Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan. In 1993-1994, he was promoted to Reader in painting, and from 1994 to 1996, he held the position of Professor in painting. In 1960, he became a member of the Society of Contemporary Artists in Kolkata. He has participated in several solos and group exhibition across India and abroad.
Roy's primary focus is on the female face and form, with his subjects often portrayed in a romanticized manner, existing in a dreamlike space between sensuality and innocence. While his work is inspired by life around him, his themes are equally influenced by everyday reality and rooted in fantasy. Though he became known for his “Radha “series of paintings later in his career, he also practiced printmaking and glass painting, creating art on many different subjects. The main figure in his works is a mythical symbol of feminine beauty, reflecting his belief in the importance of beauty in art. The vast and complex texture of life is depicted as mystical and dark in his art. His talent and skill ensure that his richly romantic subjects do not become overly sweet or clichéd. Instead, their clear beauty leans toward a melancholic grace and elegance. This graceful portrayal is greatly influenced by his choice of materials—crayons, charcoal, and brush—used with sensitivity and refinement. He used mix media, charcoals, oils, temperas, etching, lithographs, acrylics, pastels and conte.
Suhas Roy passed away in Kolkata on 18 October, 2016.
