Kalidas Karmakar

Kalidas Karmakar

Master Printmaker & Visionary Artist

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"My paintings are the images of my life. My works are a constant endeavour to win freedom—freedom from pain, frustration, and decadence, and towards the chariot of light."

– Kalidas Karmakar

Kalidas Karmakar

b. 1946

Kalidas Karmakar (1946—2019) was one of Bangladesh's most influential and experimental modern artists, celebrated for his relentless innovation, profound symbolism, and spiritual depth. Born in Faridpur, he studied at the Institute of Fine Arts (now Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka) and later at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, shaping a cross-cultural vision that merged local sensibilities with global modernism.

Throughout his prolific five-decade career, Kalidas pioneered new artistic languages through painting, printmaking, mixed media, and performance art. His signature "collagraph" technique—layering textures and materials like metal, jute, handmade paper, and found objects—transformed the surface into a field of energy, emotion, and meaning. Deeply inspired by the elemental forces of soil, water, and nature, his works embody the "alluvial soul" of Bengal, while also addressing universal concerns of freedom, suffering, and spiritual awakening.

Kalidas's art was showcased in major solo and group exhibitions across Asia, Europe, and the United States, earning him widespread international recognition. His accolades include the Grand Prix at the 2nd Bharat Bhavan Biennale (1990), Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award (1983), and the Ekushey Padak (2018)—Bangladesh's second-highest civilian honour.

Kalidas Karmakar's legacy endures as that of a visionary who fused material experimentation with metaphysical thought. In his own words, "My paintings are the images of my life. My works are a constant endeavour to win freedom—freedom from pain, frustration, and decadence, and towards the chariot of light."

"My paintings are the images of my life. My works are a constant endeavour to win freedom—freedom from pain, frustration, and decadence, and towards the chariot of light."

– Kalidas Karmakar

KALIDAS

KALIDAS

Alluvial Soul . Soil . Symbol

Published by
ARTCON

ISBN 978-984-37-0190-9

Book Launch

Kalidas Karmakar was a visionary artist whose work transcended borders, mediums, and conventions. “KALIDAS: Alluvial Soul . Soil . Symbol” is a definitive tribute to his extraordinary artistic journey, chronicling five decades of relentless experimentation, profound philosophy, and groundbreaking innovations.

This meticulously curated monograph presents 232 artworks from 1970 to 2019, showcasing his mastery of painting, printmaking, mixed media, performance art, and installations. Enriched with rare photographs, archival documents, and critical writings, the book highlights Kalidas’s creative genius and unravels his artistic ideology—rooted in the purity of soil, water, and nature, echoing themes of human suffering, resilience, and freedom.

Kalidas made significant contributions to the development of printmaking in Bangladesh, particularly through his pioneering role in establishing printmaking studios, while also being instrumental in advancing mixed media, installation, and performance art. His avant-garde approach earned him global recognition. His career saw him traverse continents—from Bengal to Warsaw, Paris, Tokyo, and beyond—gathering influences that shaped his unique visual language. His works were exhibited in over 30 countries, and his legacy is enshrined in prestigious collections worldwide.

The monograph also reflects Kalidas’s deep association and collaboration with ARTCON, which amplified his influence within Bangladesh’s art scene and cemented his role in shaping the broader narrative of modern art in the region. Through this lens, the book captures both his artistic achievements and his enduring impact on the contemporary art landscape.