Dilip Dasgupta has been a prominent figure in the Indian art scene for over four decades. Renowned for his dramatic and meticulous landscapes, Dasgupta’s work spans both oil and watercolor mediums, reflecting a deep-rooted connection to the natural world. His landscapes, infused with a tinge of romanticism, are poetic representations that capture the exuberance and nuances of nature. His use of watercolors, in particular, brings to life the surreal and sublime essence of the holy city of Varanasi. Through his art, he portrays the Ganges in its serene reverie, the ascetics of the city, and the temples that line its banks.
Born in 1931 in Shimla, Dasgupta began his art education at the Delhi Polytechnic before studying in Naples, Italy. His artistic journey has seen him hold over fifty solo exhibitions both in India and internationally, including in Germany, Denmark, Malta, Nepal, and Italy. His work is notable for its vivid depiction of trees with their limbs extended as if reaching out, and the majestic mountains of Himachal Pradesh, often shrouded in mist or clouds.
Dasgupta’s watercolors exhibit a distinct sentiment, contrasting his oil landscapes. Despite his birth in Shimla, his extensive work on Varanasi suggests a profound connection to the city. He has devoted much of his career to depicting the sacred city, capturing its temples, the flowing Ganges, and meditating ascetics with remarkable depth.
In his illustrious career, Dasgupta has received numerous accolades, including the 1962 President’s Plaque at the annual exhibition organized by the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society (AIFACS) in New Delhi, the National Award from the Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi, and an Italian Government Scholarship in Painting.
Dasgupta also made a significant impact as an educator, having taught as a Professor of Painting at the Faculty of Visual Arts, Banaras Hindu University. Since his retirement, he has focused on his painting, continuing to explore and express the rich landscapes and cultural narratives that have defined his career.
Dasgupta’s influence extends beyond his own work; he taught Sakti Burman, whose style was notably influenced by him, and he also hosted Sanat Kar in his studio during the 1950s, further contributing to the artistic community.