Sunil Madhav Sen (1910-1979) was an artist whose work reflected an abiding intimacy with the land and ethos of Rural Bengal. Quietly perceptive and inwardly alert, he drew inspiration from the textured rhythms of village life and the unadorned poetry of everyday moments. Rather than seeking recognition, he remained committed to authenticity - shaping a visual language that was contemplative, grounded and steeped in lived memory.
Sunil Madhav Sen (Image Source: Google)
He was a sensitive and introspective Bengali artist whose creative vision was deeply shaped by his early life in Rarh Bengal. The red soil, rustic charm and natural surroundings of the Rarh region left a lasting imprint on his imagination. Even after moving to Calcutta (Kolkata) in 1922 following the death of his Dadamoshai (grandfather), who first discovered the hidden talent of Sunil Madhav Sen upon seeing a charcoal drawing of Shiva and Gauri on the wall, those vivid memories of Rarh Bengal - the everyday life, natural beauty, fiery Palash blossoms, the sculptor Ananta Patua - continued to influence his artistic expressions. He was consumed by an intense desire to become an artist - not out of ambition, but from an inner urgency to express what he felt and saw.
A Musician, Sunil Madhav Sen
He pursued drawing with quiet dedication alongside his studies. Around 1929-1930, he had a memorable encounter with the renowned artist Abanindranath Tagore at Jorasanko Thakur Bari, who had asked everyone to draw whatever they wanted. Sunil Madhav Sen also drew something on a piece of paper, which caught the attention of Abanindranath Tagore. Struck by the raw potential in the sketch, Abanindranath praised Sunil Madhav Sen. Encouraged by his words, Sunil Madhav Sen often visited Jorasanko Thakur Bari with the intention of showing Abanindranath Tagore his sketches. This was how he became acquainted with Abanindranath Tagore.
Shiv and Annapurna, Line Drawing, Sunil Madhav Sen
In “Sunil Madhav Sen-er Rooplok” (The Aesthetic World of Sunil Madhav Sen; title translated by the blog writer), Prasanta Daw mentions that while discussing about himself Sunil Madhav Sen clearly stated,
Except for drawing, I cannot concentrate on studies. Didima (grandmother) and father insist that I must focus on academics. I too have made a firm resolve in my mind - I will study, but painting will be my true devotion, my only calling…Artists like Paul Gauguin, Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Michelangelo surrendered themselves at the altar of destiny without expecting anything in return, only to pursue art. I too have chosen that path. But how do I explain to anyone the force that pulls at my heart from within? (translated from “Sunil Madhav Sen-er Rooplok”, page 18).
From this statement it is clear that Sunil Madhav Sen’s soul is irrevocably bound to art. For him, painting is not a pastime - it is his lifeblood, his quiet rebellion, his chosen fate.
Lankeswar, Watercolor on Paper, Sunil Madhav Sen
After completing school, Sunil Madhav Sen got admitted to the City College, Kolkata. He passed the college examination in 1933 and then he took admission in Law at the University of Calcutta. In 1937-1938, he passed Law and began working in the court as a lawyer. But he realized that the legal world is not for him. He felt like a caged bird - trapped in a life that didn’t reflect his true self. Disillusioned with the courtroom and its rigid world, he abruptly left his legal career and immersed himself in the world of colors. This bold step became a defining turning point in Sunil Madhav Sen’s life.
After years of inner conflict, Sunil Madhav Sen permanently left his legal career in 1940 to devote himself fully to painting. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. In 1945, his painting Pratiksha (The Wait) received widespread acclaim and for this painting he was awarded by the Academy of Fine Arts.
It is appropriate to say that Sunil Madhav Sen’s journey from the courtroom to the canvas was one of deep inner struggle, courageous self-discovery and unwavering devotion to art. Choosing passion over convention, he carved his own path, and his creative life stands as a testament to the transformative power of listening to one’s inner calling, against all odds.
REFERENCE
Sunil Madhav Sen er Rooplok, Prasanta Daw, Bharbi Prakashani (সুনীল মাধব সেনের রূপলোক - প্রশান্ত দাঁ)
