Hazy Existences: Chandra Bhattacharjee
Chandra Bhattacharjee's practice speaks to the interconnectedness of life and the environment, The artist utilises keen observations of the world around him, drawing on the rural landscapes and the relationships between human beings and the creatures that inhabit them. Bhattacharjee’s minimalist approach to colour is informed by his connection to the Santhal tribe, whose art and architecture uses restrained tones yet conveys profound richness. By focusing on earthy colours, particularly in his earlier works, later exploring black and white shading and cross-hatching techniques, he imbues his art with a sense of calm, intimacy, and respect for the natural world.
Chandra Bhattacharjee (b. 1960, Patuli, India) is a contemporary artist whose work is deeply rooted in his connection to nature and belief in the coexistence of humans, animals, and the natural world. He graduated from the Indian College of Art and Draftsmanship in Kolkata (1986). His work has been exhibited internationally at Art Alive Gallery (2023), Emami Gallery (2024), India Art Fair (2025), Bengal Biennale (2025) and KALĀ (2025). His work is featured in notable collections including the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Art, Amman, Jordan and Museum of Bengal Modern Art, Arts Acre Foundation, Kolkata, India.
He was honored by the President of India as an artist-in-residence at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2020 and has since received numerous accolades, including the Shilpi Maha Samman from the Government of West Bengal in 2023