Ramananda Bandopadhya

Born 1936, Ramananda Bandopadhya’s works are quintessential to the Bengal school’s artistic lineage.  His portrayals express the allure and candidness of Indian subjects that demand to commemorate the glorious past and escapade into the bygone eras. The rich heritage and culture of his native are beautifully rendered with rustic undertones. 

Remarkably, the amalgamation of contemporary and traditional art infused with mythology emerges through serene essence in Ramananda’s paintings. His love for music, art, religion, literature, and beauty brings out a space effaced with negativity and hardships, contradicting the reality we live in today. He recreates the grace and dignity of individuals, society, and the nation through carefully applied characteristics and tones. Another notable characteristic that he religiously followed in all his paintings is the distinctive colour palette of red, green, and brown, which was inspired by his mother’s addiction to paan (betel nut leaf pocket filled with condiments). 

Under the leadership of Nandalal Bose, Ramananda graduated from Shantiniketan in 1957. Since young, he and his parents were ardent followers of Hinduism and traditional ethos. This inspiration is transitioned in his depictions of Hindu gods and goddesses, which are titled has Ganesh playing music, Shiva and Parvati holding Ganesh, Ganesh with family, and many more. The stronghold of culture, literature and mythology prevail to suffice spiritual awakening in his oeuvre. 

The artist not only indulges in traditional art but also contemporary, portraying the daily life of common people in the city with poise and nobility. Ranmananda’s art also extends to line drawing with expert precision. 

His solo exhibitions have been acclaimed in India as well as abroad such as Academy of Fine Arts, Shantiniketan, All Indian Fine Art and Society, India, to name a few. 

Ramananda Bandopadhya lives and works in Kolkata, India.