Sekhar Kar, born in 1961 in Howrah, West Bengal, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of artistic passion, discipline, and evolution. His journey began at Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata, where he earned his Bachelor of Visual Arts, finishing in 1986 with First Class Second honors. With a relentless desire to enhance his skills and artistic vision, he continued to pursue a Master of Visual Arts at the same institution, achieving First Class First distinction and receiving a gold medal. These early experiences were fundamental in shaping his artistic viewpoint, enriching his sensibilities, and establishing a robust foundation for his career.
Throughout the years, his artistic expression has transformed significantly. Specializing in acrylic on canvas, he moved away from oil, a change that redefined his approach to form, texture, and technique. His art is known for its bold patchwork style, where structured compositions create depth and movement within the subjects. This semi-realistic approach, especially in his figurative works, has become a hallmark of his style. He is particularly fascinated by capturing the faces of women, portraying their expressions, emotions, and inner strength. His “Green Period” remains one of his most celebrated series.
Women are at the heart of his artistic exploration, providing him with an endless source of inspiration through their strength, wisdom, and resilience. Their representation in his art serves as a symbol, weaving together personal and collective stories. Through his work, he aims to evoke introspection and emotional depth, inviting viewers to engage with the figures he creates on a deeper level.
Although he primarily focuses on figurative art, his creative pursuits extend beyond traditional boundaries. He experiments with mixed media on paper, utilizing black tones and textures to express profound emotions. Mythological and spiritual themes frequently arise in his work, featuring figures such as Maa Kali, Maa Durga, Lord Ganesha, Sri Krishna, and owls. Through meticulously structured lines, motifs, and a balanced use of color, he strives to blend traditional iconography with contemporary artistic expressions.
Exhibiting his work has been a vital aspect of his artistic journey. Since his inaugural solo exhibition in 1990 at Gallery Sundaram in Kolkata, he has had the honor of showcasing his art throughout India and internationally, including cities like London, New York, Dubai, Singapore, and Bangladesh. His work has been displayed in prominent galleries and art fairs, and his participation in auctions in Delhi has further solidified his presence in the contemporary art scene.
He has not only showcased his work at various exhibitions but has also been deeply involved in workshops in India and several countries, including Finland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia. These diverse experiences have broadened his artistic vocabulary and introduced him to a wide range of artistic traditions and viewpoints. He values lifelong learning, believing that every new venture adds layers to his developing artistic practice.
For him, art is an ongoing journey of exploration. His innate curiosity drives him to challenge artistic boundaries, experiment with new materials, and convey his vision in innovative, impactful ways. He aims to create art that resonates, inspires, and enriches the dynamic conversation within contemporary art.
