Modern Indian art

Refugees, Sukumar Bose, Oil on Plywood

Location: Reserve Collection

Sukumar Bose (1912 – 1986) was trained in the traditions of Bengal School of art under the guidance of Asit Kumar Haldar at the Lucknow Art College. He was born in 1912 in Luckhnow. His iconic works of art include Nativity - The birth of Christ, Dawn of the British Raj- Sir Thomas Rowe in the court of Jahangir and various other murals, frescoes and paintings in important historical buildings.

The melancholy associated with the life of refugees is represented in this composition in Sukumar Bose’s adroit brush work. The forms resonate with sadness in thick strokes of colour with minimal background in patches of deep hues. The eyes of the forms in bold colours with sweeping strokes, appropriately conveys plight of the event. Two children who seem to cling to their mothers are also seen with their back towards the onlooker.

This painting is reflective of the experimental phase of Sukumar Bose in terms of his brushstrokes and rendering of the subject. It establishes a contrast from his Bengal school art traditions which exemplify defined brushstrokes with a vibrant colour palette. His main themes were Indian mythology, landscapes, women, village life and social issues.