Paritosh Sen (1918–2008) was one of India’s most influential modernist painters, illustrators, writers, and art critics. Born in Dhaka (now Bangladesh), he was a founding member of the historic Calcutta Group, which played a pioneering role in introducing modernism to Indian art.
After graduating from the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Madras (Chennai), Sen studied in Paris at prestigious institutions including the École des Beaux-Arts and Académie André Lhote. His exposure to European modernism, particularly the works of Picasso and Matisse, deeply influenced his artistic language.
Known for his bold lines, expressive figures, satirical caricatures, and socially charged imagery, Sen often depicted urban life, human relationships, and the complexities of modern society. His works seamlessly blended Western modernist techniques with Indian themes, making him a key figure in post-Independence Indian art.
Over a career spanning more than six decades, Sen exhibited extensively in India and abroad and received several prestigious honors, including the Rockefeller Fellowship and recognition from the French government. He passed away in Kolkata on 22 October 2008, leaving behind a rich artistic and literary legacy.
