Probir Gupta
Blue Print & Dislocated Spine
2005
Oil and acrylic on canvas
107.5 in x 120 in
(Diptych)
Probir Gupta’s works dwell on negativities such as terror, rebellion and oppression – emotions experienced by those on either side of conflict; like those initiated during times of colonization. His works have always leaned towards political content and activism. In his compositions, both on canvas and sculptural, Gupta displays his sheer disgust over present political situations and, simultaneously, his passionate involvement with human rights issues and his interest in man’s constant struggle for justice and equality.
Recently, Gupta has begun to combine his narratives of political struggle with the predatory concept and figure of the arthropod. His fascination for these jointed insect species started with a series of multi-layered works on canvas, where he used the crusty creatures to aid him in his portrayal of horror.
Born in 1960, Gupta studied painting and mural design at the Government College of Art and Craft, Kolkata, graduating from the institution in 1981. In 1987 he pursued his love for painting at the prestigious Ecole Nationale Supérieure Des Beaux Arts, Paris. Gupta’s most recent solo shows include those at the Alexia Goethe Gallery, London, in 2008; ‘To Whomsoever it May Concern’ at Bodhi Art, New York, in 2007; Anant Art Gallery at the Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata; in 2007; ‘At Half Mast’ at Bose Pacia, Kolkata, in 2007; ‘At Half Mast’, organized by Nature Morte at the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, in 2004; and ‘Transparencies in Black and White’ at the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, in 2003. Amongst his group endeavors, the most recent ones are 'Keep Drawing' at Gallery Espace, New Delhi, in 2008; ‘Private / Corporate IV’ at Daimler Chrysler Contemporary, Berlin, in 2007; ‘I Fear, I Believe, I Desire’ at Gallery Espace, New Delhi, also in 2007; and ‘Ways of Resisting’ at Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, in 2002.
The artist lives and works in New Delhi.
courtesy of saffronart.com