Modern Indian art

Birds and Trees, Sukumar Bose, Tempera on Masonite Board

Location: Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Ph-II

Sukumar Bose worked as the Curator of Rashtrapati Bhavan in 1945 and worked here until 1970. He also served as Honorary Art Advisor to President Shri V.V. Giri. In recognition of his contribution to Indian art, Bose was bestowed with the Padma Shri Award in 1970.

In a meticulous study of form, rhythm and natural beauty, birds in flight, animals, plants, flowers, mountains, mist and clouds formed core of many of Bose’s paintings. This composition shows nature in a serene grey background, highlighting the mist and its evocative appeal. His wash technique complements the poetic essence of this composition which is conceived in a horizontal frame. The transparency of the background highlights the birds and flowers dominate the foreground.

The vibrant colour palette exaggerates beauty of forms and provides luminosity as well as volume to the painting. The refinement of his line work highlights curvature of birds that are interestingly entwined with flowering trees. Bose’s style of art varies from the traditional, ornamental and also the Oriental. This painting shows the refined strokes of the oriental technique, conveying Indian landscape and its charm.