Jamini Roy (1887 – 1972) was one of the first painters whose work I absolutely loved (and still do). He is from my home state of West Bengal, and rebelled against the western-influenced “realism” of the time, and found inspiration in the folk art instead – the Kalighat pot painting in particular. The Kalighat pot painting tradition is identified by its flat earthy colors, bold graphic forms with minor embellishment, and is apparent in his work.
He is also one of the first (and rare) painters, who believed that art belonged to everyone – and not just to the museums and the rich. And, to this end, he sold his works very cheaply.
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