Wasim Kapoor

Untitled, Figurative, Pastel on Paper, by Indian Artist Wasim Kapoor "In Stock"

2004

Wasim Kapoor is a well-known painter in India. He was born on 3rd January 1951 in Lucknow. Kapoor acquired First Class Diploma in Fine Arts from the Indian College of Arts and Draftsmanship, Calcutta, in 1971. 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. Kapoor says, "90 percent of my work is about the suffering of women and their problems." Although he humorously believes it`s because of the underworld-like way he dresses, All his life his attire has always been black. Kapoor wears a black coat, black jacket, black kurta and carries 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 always been a central figure on the Indian art scene. Kapoor has been exhibiting his works in solo and group shows for more than 30 years now and seems to have achieved more in this time than most artists do in their entire careers. Kapoor has contributed proceeds from some of his sales towards a leprosy center and even taken part in the Picasso centenary exhibition by Calcutta painters in 1981. 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 every day. Kapoor admits to being inspired by the Dutch artist Rembrandt and by the children and life in his city, Kolkata, as well. His Christ crucifixion series earned him quite a name. His Victim series from 1984 depicts the hardships of prostitutes who have been abused and mistreated, emanating from a body of degradation. Kapoor 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. Kapoor got Shiromoni Award from Asian Paints 1985, the award from Government of West Bengal 1984, awards from Academy of Fine Arts and Birla Academy of Art & Culture. Kapoor has a movie that has been made on him and is the recipient of various awards and accolades. Kapoor’s works are in tech collections of various prestigious museums and private and public collections.