Bardhan Art presents the work of Mrinal Kanti Bardhan and his son Rahul Bardhan, two artists whose practices are deeply rooted in the exploration of the human form. Though separated by generation and geography, both artists use the figure as a means to examine emotion, identity, and the complexities of lived experience.
M.K. Bardhan’s work reflects a lifetime of observation and cultural memory, capturing the human presence with symbolic nuance and quiet introspection. Rahul Bardhan extends this legacy through contemporary and psychologically charged interpretations of the figure, drawing on cross‑cultural influences shaped by his life in the United States.
Together, their work creates a unified yet multifaceted narrative — one that honors heritage while embracing new artistic directions. Bardhan Art stands as a testament to the enduring power of the human form to connect, reveal, and inspire.
Mrinal Kanti Bardhan was born in 1930 in Feni, Bangladesh. He studied Fine Arts at the Government College of Arts & Crafts, Calcutta, India. He moved to New Delhi, India in 1953 and made it his home till his death in 2010.
Mr. Bardhan’s paintings can be broadly divided into three phases. During the initial phase till 1965, a lot of stark figures, expressing bleak, helpless, poignant emotions, rendered in broad strokes can be seen. The medium was oil, with textured layering of thick wax coating. The color palette was somber with dark hues of earth shades. These paintings established his reputation as a serious artist.
In the second phase between 1965 and 1980, simultaneous creation of mural designs injected a narrative quality to his works. The monochromatic quality of colors gave way to a flat textured application with brilliant effects of light and shade. Various compositions of the female form have created curiosity regarding the inspiration behind his works. The answer to that can be found in his respect for the Mother figure symbolized in the white shrouded female forms. The fluidity and languid pose of the forms are derived from his reading of Indian mythology and childhood memories of Jatra (theatre) which are juxtaposed with masterly drawing techniques. The works had a very contemporary treatment, and the figurative works were minimalist but extremely expressive.
The third phase started after his retirement, when he became more prolific. He gained fresh insight from his travels to Europe and America, where he became better acquainted with the works of various Masters. During his stay in America and on his return, he started experimenting with the medium of soft-pastel which married very elegantly with his linear forms and the resultant works were bright, fresh and effervescent. This quality prevailed till the last canvas he painted during a camp organized by AIFACS, merely months before his sad demise.
Besides painting, M.K.Bardhan was also very engaged in illustration and book cover designs and layouts. Some key book designs include “The Rose in India” by B. P. Pal and “Home Gardening and Beautiful Shrubs” by Pratibha Trivedi. His designs and layouts won many awards and were highly appreciated for their outstanding visualization. He was also commissioned by the Government of India to design commemorative stamps.
Some of the awards and honors presented to M.K.Bardhan were:
National Award of Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi
The President of India’s Silver Plaque for the most outstanding exhibit
Kala Vibhushan title award from All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society (AIFACS)
Gurujan Sambardhana award from CR Park Bangiya Samaj for lifetime achievement
Solo Exhibitions: All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society, New Delhi; Arts & Prints Gallery, Calcutta; ABC Gallery Benras; Yamini Art Gallery, New Delhi
His paintings have been acquired by leading Art Galleries and Museums, such as: Moscow Art Gallery, Moscow; Sophia Art Gallery, Bulgaria; Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi; Punjab Museum, Chandigarh; Ministry of External Affairs, India; National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi; All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society, New Delhi.