Karmakar is an iconic Bangladeshi artist whose talents spanned across experimental art and printmaking. He was born in 1946 in Faridpur and grew up in a family of skilled craftspeople. This upbringing shaped his artistic journey. Karmakar went on to capture worldwide attention for his innovative outlook towards art, which shaped his legacy as a master printmaker.
The journey of Karmakar began in his native Dhaka, where he studied at the Government College of Arts and Crafts. He then attended the Government College of Fine Arts and Crafts located in Calcutta. His desire to constantly innovate led him all over the globe. He studied graphic arts at the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts in Poland, printmaking at the famous Atelier 17 in Paris, and traditional Japanese methods of washi paper making during his time in Tokyo. All of these experiences expanded his artistic capabilities by creating an ability to blend different techniques and materials into one cohesive style.
The Evolution in Printmaking
Karmakar's achievement in printmaking is differentiated for its experimental nature. He focused on viscosity printing, a sophisticated multi-colour etching technique that was perfected in Paris. He often combined etching with aquatint and other forms of mixed media to create textured works that were visually beautiful and conceptually deeper.
Karmakar's prints were not simple reproductions; they were deep in abstraction, rich in symbolism, and mystically enchanting. His works often show his deep interest in Tantric philosophy, where he tried to represent spiritual concepts in the form of abstract shapes and symbolic forms.
The ceaseless search for new approaches defined Karmakar's artistic practice. He mixed construction with found objects, metal pieces, and handmade paper, which he used in the rest of his work. He applied this experimental attitude to everything, including traditional media; he was an early adopter of installation art in Bangladesh. His site-specific installations on chars (islands formed by the river) during the 1980s on the Padma River illustrated how art could be thoughtfully incorporated into nature and context.
Kalidas Karmakar's Versatility Across Mediums
Karmakar's artistic journey was marked by a remarkable ability to adapt and evolve. His body of work ranged from minimalist abstract expressions to surrealist pieces that blended familiar imagery with fantastical elements. His versatility as an artist is both intriguing and a testament to his diverse talents.
Even as he explored various themes, there was always a captivating intertwining motif throughout his works: the impact of Bangladeshi life and culture, along with a contemplation of human experiences. Themes of personal freedom, nostalgia, and human experiences were oftentimes present in his life, and he transformed them into art.
Contributions Beyond Art
Karmakar's impact on the art world extended beyond his own creations. His Atelier-71 studio in Dhaka was a hub for nurturing new talent. Through workshops and training, he passed on his knowledge of printmaking to many aspiring artists, elevating the value of graphic arts in Bangladesh. His dedication to fostering new talent is a source of hope and inspiration for the future of Bangladeshi art.
Karmakar's work transcended borders, with over 60 solo exhibitions in cities like New York, Paris, Tokyo, Tehran, and Kuala Lumpur. His art was showcased in esteemed institutions like Fukuoka's Asian Art Museum in Japan and the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art. His global recognition and numerous prestigious collections that house his work are a source of pride for Bangladesh and a testament to his immense contributions to the art world.
The Legacy Lives On
Along with being an artist, Karmakar was an enthusiastic performer and would frequently perform in live art events during his exhibitions.
This form of artistry added another layer to his performances and directly interacted with the audience, highlighting art as something to be experienced.
Kalidas Karmakar died in 2019 on the 18th of October. Even today, artists and spectators are inspired by him. He defined the meaning of an artist in Bangladesh with his never-ending innovations and creativity that broke all bounds.
By using new materials, mastering printmaking, and taking a philosophical stance towards art, Karmakar not only made the world behold Bangladeshi art, but he also redefined its prospects for generations to come.
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