Wasim Kapoor Profile   |    Summary Wasim Kapoor is an artist possessed by the dark emotions of pain, suppression, suffering and loneliness. All his subjects, whether simple Indian women involved in daily tasks, Jesus Christ or even the ubiquitous Kolkata rickshaws, reflect angst and torment at the hands of a cruel society. He says, "Ninety per cent of my work is about the suffering of women and their problems." Kapoor has executed series with themes ranging from Adam and Eve,... Read More Wasim Kapoor is an artist possessed by the dark emotions of pain, suppression, suffering and loneliness. All his subjects, whether simple Indian women involved in daily tasks, Jesus Christ or even the ubiquitous Kolkata rickshaws, reflect angst and torment at the hands of a cruel society. He says, "Ninety per cent of my work is about the suffering of women and their problems." Kapoor has executed series with themes ranging from Adam and Eve, Victims and Silence, to something he called an Anti-Burkha` theme in his 1980 Captive series. Kapoor says that the poignant and melancholic images he paints are simply expressions of what he feels and sees everyday. He admits to being inspired by the Dutch artist Rembrandt, and by the children and life in his city, Kolkata, as well. This well know figurative artist has participated in four auctions organized by Save the Children India, and says, "All I can say is that for such organizations whatever one does seems little, for there is so much one can do. I believe it is the duty of every artist to do beyond what they do for themselves, and reach out to those in need." Wasim has also painted the goddess Durga, inspired by the annual grand festivities in Kolkata that he never got to be involved in as a child. Born in 1951, Wasim Kapoor has always been a central figure on the Indian art scene. Although he humorously believes it`s because of the underworld-like way he dresses, ("All my life my attire has always been black. I wear a black coat, black jacket, black kurta and carry a silver stick.") others think that it`s the controversies he seems to be ever-embroiled in. From his portrayal of the Burkha clad women, to supposedly agreeing to paint a nude portrait of a famous actress, Kapoor has had his fair share of media attention. Kapoor has been exhibiting his works in solo and group shows for more than thirty years now, and seems to have achieved more in this time than most artists do in their entire careers. He has contributed proceeds from some of his sales towards a leprosy centre and even taken part in the Picasso centenary exhibition by Calcutta painters in 1981. Showings of his works have been held all over the world, and he has been the recipient of the National Award on more than one occasion. Read Less Born 1951    Education 1971 Diploma in Fine Arts, Indian College of Arts and Draftsmanship, Kolkata Exhibitions Selected Group Exhibitions 1994 Exhibition of Rotary Club at... Selected Group Exhibitions 1994 Exhibition of Rotary Club at Gallerie 88, Kolkata 1993 'Wounds', Centre for International Modern Art (CIMA), Kolkata 1993 'Trend and Images', Centre for International Modern Art (CIMA), Kolkata 1993 Vadhera Art Gallery, New Delhi & Mumbai 1992 Exhibition of Contemporary Art at Kassel, Germany. 1992 Exhibition of Contemporary Art in Paris, Lyons and Marseilles, France. 1991 'Changing Images of contemporary art exhibition in Mumbai 1991-92 'Brush Stroke of Bengal' exhibition organized by Art Age, New Delhi 1989 Exhibition of Human Rights organized in Calcutta by Alliance Francaise. 1987 Exhibition of Eight Contemporary artists of India organized by Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Kolkata 1985 Painting Exhibition of the Government of West Bengal 1982 Exhibition with M F Husain in Kolkata 1982-1983 Exhibition of Four painters in Sweden 1981 Picasso Centenary Exhibition by Calcutta Painters in Kolkata 1981-82 Exhibition of Calcutta Painters, New Delhi 1981-83 Exhibition of Calcutta Painters, Kolkata 1976 All India Surrealistic Arts Exhibition, All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi 1975,76 Portrait Exhibition, All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi 1975,76 Travelling Exhibition of the Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi 1969,1970,74,84 Kolkata Participations 1990 Third Biennial of Contemporary Indian Art in Bhopal. 1987 International Drawing exhibition in Japan 1989-91 National Exhibition of Arts, New Delhi 1989-91 Annual Exhibition of the Gallerie 88 in Kolkata 1966-75 Annual All India Art Exhibitions of All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi 1966-83 All India Exhibition, Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata 1969-95 Annual Exhibitions of the Birla Academy of Art and Culture, Kolkata Honours and Awards 1985 Shiromoni Award from Asian Paints 1984 All India Award from Birla Academy of Art and Culture, Kolkata 1984 Award from the Government of West Bengal 1980-81 All India Award from the Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata 1985 Shiromoni Award from Asian Paints 1984 All India Award from Birla Academy of Art and Culture, Kolkata 1984 Award from the Government of West Bengal 1980-81 All India Award from the Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata Read More Read Less Read Less
To be notified when Wasim Kapoor works come up for sale on Saffronart: Please enter a valid email address. Thank you. You have been subscribed. Subscribing...

Need help? For more information on Indian Art, please see our Art Guide. For help with buying through Saffronart please click here. If you have any other questions, please contact us.