Songs of the Soil: Modernist Melody

Manoj Dutta (b. 1956, Kolkata) achieved recognition as an artist in the late seventies despite having no formal art education. His art is rooted in native styles, and looks inalienably Indian more often than not. However, he isn’t simply recycling ideas from the traditional or the Bengal schools of art. While relying on traditional ideas of art for visual meaning— particularly folk art—Dutta integrates a distinct modern sensibility, especially in his treatment of contemporary events.                                    

Renowned art critic Manasij Majumdar has admired Dutta for many years, and is, the author admits, one of his favorite artists. His work is looks spontaneously home-grown, yet modernist at the same time. The lucidity of his vision finds expression in paintings and drawings that resonate with something that is native to the Indian soil. The works featured here come from collections in both Kolkata and Delhi, as well as the artist’s personal collection. This catalog has been published in association with Sanchit Art Gallery in New Delhi.