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somnath hore

Somnath Hore (1921-2006) was an influential Indian printmaker, painter, and sculptor, known for his powerful depictions of human suffering and resilience. Born in Chittagong, now in Bangladesh, Hore was deeply affected by the socio-political turmoil of his time, including the Bengal famine of 1943 and the Tebhaga movement. His art is characterized by its raw emotional intensity and minimalist style, often using techniques like etching, woodcut, and lithography. Hore’s work focused on themes of oppression, poverty, and social injustice, using stark lines and textures to evoke a visceral response. He was also a pioneer in the use of paper pulp as a medium for his sculptures, creating hauntingly fragile and expressive forms. Hore’s contributions to Indian art were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Padma Bhushan in 1985. His legacy endures through his poignant and socially conscious art, which continues to inspire and provoke thought.

DISTINCTIVE STYLE

Somnath Hore’s art powerfully depicts human suffering and social injustice, blending realism and expressionism. His works often feature emaciated, skeletal figures, symbolizing poverty, famine, and war. Hore’s empathy for the marginalized and oppressed is evident, with his use of rough lines and textures conveying vulnerability and fragility.

Hore’s “Wounds” series is particularly notable, focusing on the scars—both physical and psychological—left by violence and injustice. These minimalist pieces express loss and pain, exploring not only the external realities of suffering but also the inner turmoil of his subjects.

EXHIBITIONS

Somnath Hore held numerous exhibitions throughout his career, both in India and internationally. His work was featured in major galleries and art institutions, including the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Hore was also a participant in several significant group shows, including the first National Exhibition of Art in India.

his legacy

In his later years, Somnath Hore remained active in the art community, serving as a professor at Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, where he influenced new generations of artists. Despite his declining health in the 1990s, he continued to create art.

Hore passed away on October 1, 2006, in Santiniketan. His death marked the end of an era in Indian art, but his legacy endures through his powerful work, which continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.