Sutanu
Chatterjee
Artist – Sculptor
about me
I have been, for the last few decades exploring both intimate works and as well as public sculptures, primarily seeking the geometric possibilities in biological and organic forms. My works embody this search in the most nuanced way with a great deal of care about medium and its allied technicalities. My works are mostly figurative with subtle stress on the movement of the forms and its plasticity. Geometric qualities hence merge with the plasticity of the surface and the shape and volume of my sculptures. My predilection for the primitive like, African sculpture, the ancient and the classical forms of Indian traditional sculptures like Konark, is evident in my works. I intend to release the figure from the anatomical bondage. While playing with the ambivalence between the organic, geometric and the plasticity of form, I delve deep into the spirit of my subject and stir up the inner qualities of my figure.
What I do
My outdoor and public sculpture
In my outdoor works and public sculptures too, this organic quality is evident, not only as an intrinsic feature of the work but also in the way the natural surroundings, the immediate environment and ecological concerns are addressed in a large scale. In these projects, I have worked with recycled materials giving a further fillip to the ecological issues of artwork.
about me
I have been, for the last few decades exploring both intimate works and as well as public sculptures, primarily seeking the geometric possibilities in biological and organic forms. My works embody this search in the most nuanced way with a great deal of care about medium and its allied technicalities.
My works are mostly figurative with subtle stress on the movement of the forms and its plasticity. Geometric qualities hence merge with the plasticity of the surface and the shape and volume of my sculptures. My predilection for the primitive like, African sculpture, the ancient and the classical forms of Indian traditional sculptures like Konark, is evident in my works.
I intend to release the figure from the anatomical bondage. While playing with the ambivalence between the organic, geometric and the plasticity of form, I delve deep into the spirit of my subject and stir up the inner qualities of my figure.
My outdoor and public sculpture
In my outdoor works and public sculptures too, this organic quality is evident, not only as an intrinsic feature of the work but also in the way the natural surroundings, the immediate environment and ecological concerns are addressed in a large scale. In these projects, I have worked with recycled materials giving a further fillip to the ecological issues of artwork.
what I do
Solo Exhibitions
Group Exhibitions
Publications
Monumental Sculpture
Awards
Workshops and Art Camps
Major Projects
Birds
1993 - Present
Bengal Ambuja
1997 - 2001
S.R.F.T.I.
2012
The Elephant Rider
2017 - Present
Endangered Earth
2007-2008
Imperilled
2017
Covid Pandemic
2020 - Present
Amphan
2020
My Story
1970s
Grew up with Bhadu Gaan, Kirtan and Kobi Gaan.
I got inspired by Nilkantha Mistri’s idol-making process.
1990
Joined the Department of Schulpture at Kala Bhavan, Visva Bharati, Santiniketan with the dream of becoming a Sculptor.
1995-96
Got selected and ranked and received multiple awards in the National exhibition of Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, Calcutta Sculptures and West Bengal ‘Rajya Charukala Pradarshani’.
2001
Joined as a lecturer in the Department of Sculpture, Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan.
2008
The birth of the Endangered Earth series.
Exhibited under the curation of Sandip Sarkar at the Aakriti Art Gallery, Kolkata.
2012
the installation if two Environmental Sculptures at the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (S.R.F.T.I.), Kolkata.
2016
An opportunity to visit and take a first hand look at the works of the masters in the museums in Europe, namely Paris (France), Italy and Netherlands.
2019
Participated in the International symposium and Workshops in Ceramic Sculpture-“Silpakorn Clay work Phichaburi 2019 International Raku Sculpture” at Thailand.
2020
The turmoil, human suffering and the unsettling atmosphere of the Covid-19 pandemic created a rise of emotions which led to a series of works based on the lockdown and the social distancing of the claustrophobic situation.
1970s
Grew up with Bhadu Gaan, Kirtan and Kobi Gaan. I got inspired by Nilkantha Mistri’s idol-making process.
1990
Joined the Department of Schulpture at Kala Bhavan, Visva Bharati, Santiniketan with the dream of becoming a Sculptor.
1995-96
Got selected and ranked and received multiple awards in the National exhibition of Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, Calcutta Sculptures and West Bengal ‘Rajya Charukala Pradarshani’.
2001
Joined as a lecturer in the Department of Sculpture, Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan.
2008
The birth of the Endangered Earth series. Exhibited under the curation of Sandip Sarkar at the Aakriti Art Gallery, Kolkata.
2012
The installation if two Environmental Sculptures at the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (S.R.F.T.I.), Kolkata.
2016
An opportunity to visit and take a first hand look at the works of the masters in the museums in Europe, namely Paris (France), Italy and Netherlands.
2019
Participated in the International symposium and Workshops in Ceramic Sculpture-“Silpakorn Clay work Phichaburi 2019 International Raku Sculpture” at Thailand.
2020
The turmoil, human suffering and the unsettling atmosphere of the Covid-19 pandemic created a rise of emotions which led to a series of works based on the lockdown and the social distancing of the claustrophobic situation.
hidden
not to be seen
Exhibitions
- National Exhibition of Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi in 1995, 2002, 2004, 2019.
- 68th Annual All India Exhibition (Drawing) of AIFACS, New Delhi in 1997.
- Annual Exhibition of Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Kolkata in1997,1998,1999,2000 & 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011(Invited participation).
- Annual Exhibition of Academy of Fine Arts in 1993, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000 & 2006.
- Indian Society of Oriental Art Exhibition, Kolkata in 1999, 2006, 2007.
- ‘Gujarat We Care’ A group exhibition of painting and sculpture, at Birla Academy of Art Culture, Kolkata, 2001.
- ‘Tradition & Modernity in Bengal’, Bangalore, organized by
- Birla Academy of Art & Culture, at Chitrakala Parisad, Bangalore & Century Bhavana, Worli,-Mumbai-2000.
- Invited participation in Art Exhibition of paintings and sculptures organized by Biswa Banga Sammelan Millennium Committee at Kolkata, 2001.
- ‘Art in Art Colleges of West-Bengal’ – A group show, organized by, Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Kolkata. At Lalit-Kala-Akademi, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi-2002.
- ‘The World of Serigraphs’ a group Exhibition of Serigraphs organized by Sarjan Art Gallery at Vadodara – 2004.
- ‘Open–Air Sculpture Exhibition’ – Organized by Rajya Charukala Parshad, Govt. of West Bengal at Kolkata – 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008,2009,2010,2011.
- “Joint Art International Exhibition” – Fine Arts Department Silpakorn University, Bangkok & Kala-Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, at Nandan, Kala Bhavana – 2006.
- “Joint Art International Exhibition” – Fine Arts Department Silpakorn University, Bangkok & Kala-Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, at Silpakorn University, Bangkok – 2007.
- “GEN NEXT” – AAKRITI ART GALLERY- Kolkata, 2006.
- “FIGURE IN NATURE” – at Birla Academy, Curated by Mrinal Ghosh Kolkata, 2006.
- ‘Glimpses of Contemporary Bengal Sculpture’ – Aakriti – Curated by Prasanta Daw. – 2007.
- ‘TIME & MATERIAL’ –The Stainless Gallery, New Delhi. – 2008.
- “Endangered Earth” curated by Sandip Sarker at Aakriti Art Gallery, Kolkata,-2008.
- ‘Pretty Ugly’ by BOSE PACIA KOLKATA – curated by critic Romain Maitra -2010.
- Kala Bhavana teachers drawing and painting workshop on Tagore’s Literature, 2010.
- “Contemporary Sculpture”- By Emami Chisel Art, at Emami Tower, Kolkata.- 2011.
- ‘Open air sculpture exhibition’ – organized by Rajya Charukala Parishad, Govt. of West Bengal at Kolkata 2011.
- “Celebration2013 Kolkata” an Art Exhibition /Workshop/ Seminar /Music/Film, from 30thMarch to 12th April 2013 at Rabindranath Tagore Center, ICCR, Kolkata, organized by Prof. Dhiraj Choudhury collaboration with ICCR, Kolkata.
- “Sahanubhuti” by Emamichisel art curated by Dr, Archana Roy, Aug, 2013.
- “Celebration2013 Kolkata” an Art Exhibition at Rabindranath Tagore Center, ICCR, Kolkata, organized by Prof. Dhiraj Choudhury collaboration with ICCR, Kolkata.
- ‘’Beneath the Surface’ – an etching exhibition of K.B. teachers work, at CIMA, Kolkata – 2013.
- ‘Praxis’-Kala Bhavana teachers exhibition at Lalit Kala Akademy,New Delhi-2013
- ‘Praxis’-Kala Bhavana teacher’s exhibition at Bharatiya Nritya-Kala Mandir- Lalit Kala Akademy, Patna, Bihar. – 2013.
- Kala Bhavana Teachers sculpture, tapestry and enamel painting Exhibitions at Nandan Art Gallery, 2015
- “Ensemble”- Kala Bhavana teacher’s exhibition at Lalit Kala Akademy, Chenni. – 2015.
- ’27-Drawings of Bengal’ – curated by Arindam Saha Sarder, at Jibonsmriti Archive, Uttarpara, Hoogly. – August-September-2015.
- A drawing exhibition of 33 Artists of Kolkata, Santiniketan and Baroda, curated by Arindam Saha Sarder at Jibonsmriti Archive, Uttarpara, Hoogly, March-April, 2016.
- Exhibition of ‘Art Works’- Tribute to K. G. Subramanyan by Teachers of Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharati at Nandan, Santiniketan.- 2016.
- “Post Contemporary Wave” – an unconventional exhibition of International Artists in Village space of Komdhara, Babnan, Hoogly. Curated by Bibekananda Santra, organized by Narrative movements & F.A.C.T.S Foundation – Feb. 2016.
- An exhibition of Painting, Sculpture & Photography for Baundule at Gaganendra Pradarsasala, Kolkata, 2017.
- “Sister Nivedita”- All-India Exhibition of Painting and Sculpture- A tribute from – Indian National Forum of Art and Culture on the occasion of the birth sesquicentennial of Sister Nivedita. – 15-17 June, 2017.
- An exhibition in Painting, sculpture and drawing, organized by IGNCA, Kolkata at ICCR, Kolkata. – 2019.
- Bangla Biennale –Komdhara, Singur, organized by Narrative Movement. – 2019.
- “Nababarsher Chitra Pradorshani”, Organized by Debovasha, Kolkata. –15April – 5May, 2019.
- ‘Remembering Dinkar Kaudhik’- Centenary Exhibition of Dynacare Kaushik at Birla academy of Art & Culture, Kolkata. – 23rd Nov. – 21st December, 2019.
- An Exhibition of Paintings by the members of Santiniketan Kala Bhavana Praktoni at Nandan Gallery, Kala Bhavana, Santiniketan. – 20-24th January, 2020.
- Online “International Art Exhibition, 2020”- Organized by Provaswito Academy of Art & Culture. From 15th October, 2020.
Publications
- Catalog essay- ‘Protikkrityr Aarale’ – Rajya Charukala Annual show, – 2010.
- Catalog essay- ‘ Bhaskarjya Kare Koy’ – Rajya Charukala Annual show, – 2011.
- Essay writing for a Journal – ‘Bhaskar Ajit Chakraborty’ in UGC Sponsored interactive seminar on sculpture and environmental art. Dept of Sculpture, College of Art and Design, Burdwan – 2012.
- ‘Bhaskar Jamini Roy’- an essay writing in a little magazine name – ‘Aarattrick’ – 2014.
- ‘BIKASH DEBNATH’- a Book Published by Rajya Charukala Parshad, Govt. of West Bengal-2014.
- Essay writing on the bases of an interview with Sculptor Sushen Ghosh regarding Ramkinkar Baij – ‘Aamader Sa – Re – Ga – Ma’ in a magazine –Shiladitta. – May 2014.
- Essay writing about sculptor Mrinalini Mukherjee in a magazine –Shiladitta. – Feb.2015.
- ‘Apprakashito Ramkinkar’ – Shiladitta – April 2015.
- Introduction writing for Sculptor Ajit Chakraborty’s diary –‘ ROJNAMA’-in Shiladitta magazine.- Dec. 2014, Jan., March, May, June,
- ‘Achena Tarasankar’ – essay writing for Shiladitta-July, 2015.
- Essay writing based on an interview with Art Historian & Painter Arun Pal Regarding Binodbehari Mukherjee. – Feb,-2015.
- ‘Sakkhatkar’- an interview with Eminent painter Sanat Kar, in Renowned Bengali Journal
- -April-Jun-issue.-2015.
- Catalog essay ‘Sculptor of Nature’- for a Retrospective Exhibition of Bikas Debnath.- 2015.
- ‘Bharat-er Mahila Bhaskar’ – Shiladitta, 2016.
- Worked as a sub Editor of VESSELS OF FIRE – A Department of Sculpture, Kala Bhavana, Published Book, – 2017.
- Worked as an Editor in TULI-KALAM – A Department of Sculpture, Kala Bhavana, Published Magazine in Nandan Mela – 2016, 2017, 18-19.
- “Sculpture is Frozen Music’ – Sushen Ghosh’’ – an essay writing in a Renowned Magazine – ART & DEAL –Issue 100, – January 2017.
- Aamar Shilpa Bhabna – Sutanu Chatterjee – A small book published by Debovasha Boi o Shilpo Abash – 2017.
- “ Kala Bhavana Protistha o tar Uddeshyo”- in ‘Tuli-Kalom’, Dept. of Sculpture, Nandan Mela-2019.
Art Camps / Workshops
- Invited participation in All India Sculptor’s Camp, Visakhapatnam – organized by Municipal Corporation of Visakhapatnam (MCV) in 1998-1999.
- Stone Curving Camp, Tapang (Orissa) – organized by Visva-Bharati – 1994.
- Stone Curving Camp. Chunner (U.P.) – organized by Visva-Bharati – 1996.
- Invited participation in Biswa Banga Sammelan Millennium Camp, Calcutta 2000.
- Invited participation in “Regional Art Camp” – organized by Rashtriya Lalit Kala Kendra, Kolkata at Kala-Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan-2004.
- Invited participation in “Open Air Sculpture Camp” – organized by Rajya Charukala Parshad, Govt. of West-Bengal at Kolkata-2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011.
- Invited participation in “Regional Art Camp”– organized by Rashtriya Lalit Kala Kendra, Kolkata at Kala-Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan-2004.
- THAI-INDIA Art Workshop and Cultural Exchange in Shilpacorn University, Bangkok & Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharati.- 2005-2006.
- Kala Bhavana teachers sculpture workshop at Kala Bhavana. – 2007.
- Invited participation in Painting & Sculpture Workshop – organized by Dunlop & Santiniketan Society at Santiniketan. – 2008.
- Kala Bhavana teachers printmaking (Serigraph) workshop, at Kala Bhavana – 2003, 2004 & 2007.
- Kala Bhavana teachers painting workshop, at Kala Bhavana. – 2005, 10 & 2011.
- Invited participation in Wood Curving Workshop in Tripura, organized by- ONGC –Tripura. – 2011.
- Kala Bhavana teachers drawing and painting workshop on Tagore’s Literature, 2010.
- Kala Bhavana teachers sculpture workshop – 2009.
- Resource Person: First UGC Sponsored workshop cum Seminar Program- Organized By College of Art and Design, University of Burdwan and Govt. College of Art and Craft, Sept 2011.
- Invited an ‘ Interactive Seminar on Sculpture and Environmental Art’- Sponsored by UGC organized by College of Art and Design, University of Burdwan and Govt. College of Art and Craft, Sept 2011.
- Invited an ‘ Interactive Seminar on Sculpture and Environmental Art’- Sponsored by UGC organized by College of Art and Design, University of Burdwan and Govt. College of Art and Craft, Sept 2011.
- Dhaka-Santiniketan International Art Workshop and Cultural Exchange, at University of Dhaka – 2012.
- Dhaka-Santiniketan Art Workshop (Part of Exchange Program) at Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharati. – January 2012.
- Invited as a ‘Resource person’ in the UGC sponsored workshop, organized by Govt. College of Art and Craft, Kolkata, September 2012.
- Invited to an interactive seminar and lecture on ‘Sushen Ghosh and his works’ Sponsored by UGC and organized by Govt. College of Art and Craft, Kolkata, September 2012.
- Environmental sculpture at Satyajit Ray Film Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata, 2013.
- Invited participation in National Sculpture Camp (Stone) at J.J. School of Art, Mumbai. Organized by L.K.A, New Delhi. – February 2013.
- Land-Art in Eco-friendly Medium at Lalbandh Eco Zone, Santiniketan 2014.
- Kala Bhavana teachers Tapestry workshop at Santiniketan. – 2013.
- Renovated, coordinated, and supervised an outdoor sculpture of ‘Vistiwala’ by Suren Dey at Agro Economic Center, Santiniketan-2013.
- Nepal – Santiniketan International one day Painting workshop at Kala Bhavana, Santiniketan, January 2013.
- Attended all India ‘Stone carving workshop’- at J.School of Art, Mumbai. Organised by Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi. February-2013.
- Kala Bhavana teachers Enamel Painting workshop & Tapestry workshop at Kala Bhavana, Santiniketan. – 2014.
- Completed wooden portrait of Rabindranath Tagore for Consul General of the Office of India in Shanghai to be presented to a renowned Chinese Tagore Expert in Shanghai from Chinese Language & Culture (Cheena Bhavana), Bhasha Bhavana, Visva Bharati for fostering the Sino Indiana Cultural Bondage. 2014 –
- Kala Bhavana teachers drawing workshop at Kala Bhavana, Santiniketan.- 2015.
- Painting workshop at Shishutirtha, Santiniketan.-2016.
- Renovated, an important outdoor sculpture of ‘Buddha’ by Legendary sculptor Ramkinkar Baij, Santiniketan-2016.
- Kala Bhavana teachers Reverse painting (Glass Painting) workshop at Kala Bhavana, Santiniketan. – 2017.
- Participating at the International Land Art Residency “MIRROR + LIGHT + SHADOW”- Organized by Narrative Movements at Kimdhara, Hooghly, West Bengal – February 2017.
- Participating at International Artist Residency – ‘THE GOLDEN THREAD’ – Organized by Narrative Movements at Suri, West Bengal, November 2017.
- As a Resource person conducted “Sculpture Workshop” and Presentation for the students of Royal Global School of Fine Arts, Royal Global University, Guwahati, Assam.- 2018.
- Kala Bhavana teachers Etching workshop at Kala Bhavana, Santiniketan. – 2018.
- Participated in the International Symposium and Workshops in Ceramic Sculpture-“Silpakorn Clay work Phichaburi 2019 International Raku Sculpture” at Thailand – February 2019.
Solo Exhibitions
- Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Kolkata in 1996.
- ‘New Works’ –A One man Show of Sculpture, Painting and Drawing. Organized by Debovasha Shilpa Abaas, Kolkata in 2017.
Monumental Sculptures
- Bengal Ambuja Housing Complex, Ajay Nagar. – Four times from 1997- 2001.
- Bronze statue of Rabindranath Tagore for National Library,Kolkata. – 2008
- Outdoor sculpture in bronze at Singapore. – 2010.
- Environmental Sculpture (two) in S.R.F.T.I., Kolkata – 2012.
- Environmental Sculpture in Lalbandh Eco-park, Santiniketan. – 2014.
- Terracotta Relief Sculpture (42 x 8 ft.) on ‘Hindu Wedding Ceremony’ for Ganapati India International Pvt. Ltd. Durgapur. – September, 2018.
Awards
- West Bengal ‘Rajya Charukala Pradarshani’ Award in 1995 & 1996.
- Calcutta Sculptor’s Award – 1994.
- Ramkinkar Baij Book Award. – 1995.
- Intra University Cultural Competition – 1st rank (Certificate of Merit) – 1995,
- National Cultural Scholarship, Govt. of India – 1996-1998.
- Merit Scholarship of Visva-Bharati in 1993, 1994, 1995 & 1997.
- Lalit Kala Akademy Prize, New Delhi (State Academy Exhibition) in 1998.
- West Bengal State Academy Award. – 1998.
- Indian Society of Oriental Art Award in 1999 & 2006.
- Academy of Fine Arts (Certificate of Merit) – Senior Category, 2006.