Jogen Chowdhury (born 1939) is one of India’s most eminent contemporary painters, widely recognized as a master of lines. His distinct and highly influential style—developed after his studies at the Government College of Art & Craft, Kolkata, and the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris (1965–67)—utilizes the tactile quality of line to create his compositions. He employs careful distortion and expressive curves to depict the character of his figures, often imparting a subtle air of caricature. The human figure remains the most important element, conveying the entirety of his artistic expression, primarily through his masterful handling of ink, watercolor, and pastel.
Chowdhury currently lives and works in Santiniketan and continues to have an immense influence on young Indian artists. His distinguished career has been recognized globally, including receiving the Prix le France de la Jeune Peinture in Paris (1966) and an award at the Second Biennale of Havana, Cuba (1986). In recognition of his enduring contributions, he was honored with the Kalidas Sanman by the Government of Madhya Pradesh in 2001.
