
SUNIL DAS
A seminal figure in Indian post-modernist art, gained widespread acclaim for his powerful and evocative depictions of horses. Reflecting on his prolific output, he recalls, “I created over 7,000 horse drawings between 1950 and 1960.” A transformative visit to Spain in 1962, where he witnessed the raw intensity of bullfights, deeply influenced the direction of his art.
Over a remarkable career spanning multiple decades, Das explored nine to ten distinct phases of painting, each demonstrating his extraordinary skill and unwavering artistic integrity. A versatile and tireless creator, he seamlessly moved between styles without losing his unique voice. Rejecting reliance on photographs or posed models, Das preferred to begin his creative process with raw sketches, capturing the essence of his subjects in their purest form.
“I wrestle with colors and shapes until they merge into a harmonious pattern,” he explains. “Like a maestro conducting an orchestra, I bring together disparate elements to create a cohesive aesthetic.” Known for his innovative techniques, Das often applied paint with his palms and fingers, adding a tactile, expressive quality that became a hallmark of his work.