Remembering Jogen Chowdhury

It is difficult to believe that Jogen Chowdhury is no longer with us. I had the privilege of knowing him closely for nearly twenty-five years and over that time my admiration for him grew well beyond his extraordinary work as an artist.

What I will always remember about Jogen is his cheerful nature. I can still hear his distinctive laughter, so often accompanying his warm greetings. He was invariably smiling, full of energy and always engaged in something. Despite his stature as one of India’s most respected modern artists, he remained wonderfully unassuming and approachable to everyone. There was an ease about him that made interacting with him a pleasure.

What I particularly admired was his attitude towards the valuation of his art. He neverseemed overly concerned with its commercial value or with commercialising his work. For him, art was a natural extension of who he was. He never hesitated to draw a quick sketch for anyone who approached him, reflecting his generosity and instinctive love for art.

His work had a language entirely its own. His distinctive lines, cross-hatching and expressive figures conveyed an extraordinary understanding of human emotions and the complexities of life and relationships which he conveyed so easily. There was something unmistakably Jogen in every drawing and painting.

Over the years, we shared many memorable moments particularly a extended time we spent together during his two retrospectives we hosted in Hyderabad. He particularly enjoyed conversing in Bengali with Rekha, and discussions about Rabindranath Tagore were always a source of pleasure for him. These conversations often revealed another side of Jogen, his deep affection for Bengali language, literature and culture. It is these little personal moments, beyond the world of exhibitions and paintings, that I will cherish most.

Jogen’s contribution to modern Indian art is immense, and his work will continue to inspire generations. But for those of us fortunate enough to have known him closely, the memories of the man will remain just as precious as his art.

I will remember him as I always knew him — smiling, energetic and completely devoted to his art.

He will be deeply missed by the art world.