Collection: SHYAMAL DUTTA RAY

Shyamal Dutta Ray, a renowned Indian painter and printmaker, was born on May 8, 1934, in Ranchi, Bihar. He studied at the Government College of Art and Craft in Kolkata, completing his diploma in painting in 1955. Dutta Ray's artistic journey began with oil painting, but he later shifted to watercolor, becoming one of India's most accomplished watercolorists. His unique approach yielded intense, vibrant, and reflective watercolors that deviated from traditional styles. Dutta Ray's work was deeply personal, drawing inspiration from his experiences and the visual world around him. As he noted, "The imagery in my paintings comes mostly from my personal experiences."

Throughout his career, Dutta Ray received numerous accolades, including the gold medal from the Academy of Fine Art, Kolkata (1958), the Rabindra Bharati University Award (1968), and the prestigious Shiromoni Puraskar Award (1988). His work is represented in prominent museums and collections worldwide, including the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, and the British Museum, London. Shyamal Dutta Ray passed away on May 19, 2005, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable artistic contributions.