On 17th March 1945, Shahid Suhrawardy, the art critic for the esteemed daily The Statesman, wrote a critique on the first exhibition of the Calcutta Group - a collective of eight young artists whose motto was that “Art should be international and inter-dependent”.
The Statesman, 17th March 1945, Page 3
Suhrawardy credits Jamini Roy, one of the most-celebrated modern artists, who is known for his unique style that combined traditional Indian folk art with modernist sensibilities, as the pioneering force behind the emergence of the Calcutta Group, emphasizing how his impact has “freed these young artists from the shackles of Western Academic” and traditional Indian art. Although their work is considered as "inchoate and far from full-fledged”, Suhrawardy appreciates their rejection of “sentimental prettiness and irrelevant details” in favour of exploring basic forms. Despite their novice status, especially compared to the more seasoned sculptor Prodosh Dasgupta, the artists may not fully satisfy the critics’ standards, but their “vigour and authentic artistic intentions” are regarded as deserving of encouragement.
The Calcutta Group draws inspiration from masters like Amedeo Modigliani, Henri Matisse and Paul Gauguin. He notes that while these young artists seem familiar with the works of these masters, they have yet to fully incorporate “those traits which lend consistence and glamour” into their own art. While discussing about the exhibition, Suhrawardy mentioned
...till that happens the pictures of these artists will lack personality. Nevertheless, I am surprised to find to what extent they are comprehending the manner and intentions of their masters, particularly Mr. Rathindranath Maitra.
Certain individuals within the group show significant potential; for instance, Maitra’s The Child, along with other works like Couple at Tea, which recalls Chirico’s style. Additionally, Prankrishna Pal’s Interlaced Figures is praised for its “great tact” in design, while Nirod Mazumdar’s pieces, including Single Woman and Portrait of a Woman, reflect a strong influence from Gauguin.
Rathin Maitra and Other Members of The Calcutta Group
Miss T.C.Kamala, the only woman in the group, presents a striking head study, while the exhibition’s highlight is Mr. Prodosh Dasgupta’s poignant piece of a mother nursing her children with her face buried in the dust. His portraits of Mr. Kirkman and Rathindranath Maitra are also noteworthy. The exhibition of paintings and sculptures were on display at the Service Arts Club, 28 Chowringhee, till 18th March 1945, from 2 to 7 p.m.
Reference
Shahid Suhrawardy, Calcutta Group: Promising Work by Young Artists, The Statesman, 17th March 1945
