Galleria VSB

Lalu Prasad Shaw

Lalu Prasad Shaw (1937) is a renowned Indian painter and printmaker known for his distinctive style that bridges traditional Indian art and contemporary aesthetics. Born in Bengal, Shaw was deeply influenced by the Kalighat Pat tradition and Bengali miniatures, which is evident in his detailed and stylized depictions of people and everyday scenes. His works often feature elegantly dressed women, men, and couples, captured with a sense of poise and serenity. Shaw’s use of delicate lines, flat colors, and minimal backgrounds highlight his subjects’ grace and dignity. A graduate of the Government College of Art & Craft in Kolkata, Shaw has exhibited widely in India and internationally. His art is celebrated for its simplicity, precision, and unique blend of tradition and modernity, making him a significant figure in Indian contemporary art.

DISTINCTIVE STYLE

Shaw’s encounter with Sukhomoyda and the ‘Lucknow Birds’ in Kalabhavana’s library marked a shift toward figurative compositions. Inspired by Santiniketan’s makeshift photo-stalls, he began painting people in varied postures. Adopting tempera as his medium, Shaw’s stylized, poised figures reflect a fusion of Bengal’s ‘patachitra’ and Mughal miniatures, characterized by flat planes, controlled lines, and delicate colors that blend tradition with modernity.

EXHIBITIONS

Since 1956, Shaw has exhibited widely in India and abroad. Notable solo shows include Looking In (Galerie 88, Kolkata, 2011-12), Graceful Silence (Art Musings, Mumbai, 2011), and The Myriad Minded Artist (Gallery Sanskriti, Kolkata, 2008). He has also participated in numerous group exhibitions and international art fairs, earning acclaim for his unique contribution to modern Indian art.

His legacy

Lalu Prasad Shaw’s artwork seamlessly blends Bengal’s cultural heritage with modern sensibilities, celebrated for its elegance, subtlety, and timeless appeal. His works, rooted in traditional techniques, uniquely portray the Bengali middle class, inspiring generations of artists. Books like Looking In and The Myriad Minded Artist highlight his contributions, capturing his journey from a disillusioned student to a revered painter who evokes the grace and serenity of a bygone era.

Lalu Prasad Shaw

UNTITLED
13 X 11 inches
Gouache on Paper