Provash Chandra Banerjee was born into the Zamindar family of Murapara, to Late Jagadish Chandra Banerjee, in Dacca in the year 1919. He received guidance from eminent artist  Mukul Dey and an eminent art faculty at Calcutta Art College comprising of Ramen Chakrabarty, Provash Karmakar, Jainul Abedin, Atul Bose. Abanindranath Tagore took special interest in Provash Chandra’s drawings.

Under the combined tutelage of these eminent artists, Provash Chandra developed a penchant for water colours and oils, constantly improvising – and introducing a style of his own.  He created art that often lingers in space where “reality and romance” coincides. His language is one which weaves a real tale of life and nature in its truest form and his paintings hold an enigmatic vision of humanism.

With the shift of base to Lucknow Art College, Provash Chandra had the opportunity to learn from renowned artist Bireshwar Sen, under whose guidance he mastered the techniques of water colour. Wash, oil and pastel from L.M.Sen, and sculpture from Hiranmoy Roy Chowdhury. 

In his painting ‘Fishing’ he departs significantly from his contemporaries by depicting the theme not as a metaphysical icon but rather as a down to earth village life of Bengal. A prolific portraitist, in his numerous depictions of characters, the viewing of the images. Frame titled ‘Expectation’ shows his understanding of emotions, innocence, youth and sensitivity which is reflected in this portrait. 

He has been a master with the brush and his artistic sensibilities are depicted in his paintings (Frame ‘Autumn of life’). His water colours represent moments captured in his mind and translucent use of colour (Frame ‘Dancing Trio’). In these he effortlessly fuses spontaneity of observation with an emotional response.    

Provash Chandra is well known for his paintings, executed on commission from Government and Private Institutions and his work has travelled the globe. His work can be seen in many public and private collections in India and abroad. He dedicated many years in training students in his school of Arts better known as the ‘Ajanta School of Art and Crafts’. Several exhibitions were held by his students at the Academy of Fine Arts and produced budding artists of repute.

Provash Chandra’s art is a synthesis of Western realism and Oriental expressionism. His mentors, Abanindranath Tagore and Bireshwar Sen initiated this synthesis and Provash Chandra’s works reflects, perpetuates and pays tribute to their artistic style and value.

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