Bangladeshi artist and printmaker Kalidas Karmakar has been remembered on his seventh death anniversary, honouring a creative legacy that helped shape the development of modern art and printmaking in the country.
Renowned for his experimental approach to art, Karmakar explored painting, printmaking, sculpture, installation and mixed media throughout his career, constantly pushing the boundaries of artistic expression through innovative techniques and unconventional materials.
Fondly known as ‘Kali Da’ in the country's art sphere, he earned the distinction of being called Bangladesh’s ‘Alluvial Artist’, reflecting his deep connection with the country’s landscape, culture and artistic traditions.
Born in Faridpur on January 10, 1946, Karmakar completed his preliminary degree in fine arts at the Institute of Fine Arts, Dhaka University, in 1964 before graduating from the Government College of Fine Arts and Crafts in Kolkata in 1969.
His artistic practice evolved through decades of experimentation, with printmaking remaining one of his most significant areas of contribution. He explored techniques including etching, aquatint and viscosity printing, helping expand the possibilities of the medium in Bangladesh.
Beyond printmaking, his work encompassed a wide range of materials and forms, often blurring the distinctions between traditional artistic disciplines. His distinctive visual language and willingness to experiment established him as an influential figure in the country’s modern art movement.
Karmakar’s artistic journey extended beyond Bangladesh, with his works exhibited across South Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the United States. His achievements were recognised with the Shilpakala Padak in 2016 and the Ekushey Padak in 2018.
A significant part of his legacy also lies in his longstanding association with Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71, where he served as an adviser and played a pivotal role in developing facilities for printmaking.
He designed the studio’s interior and was closely involved in setting up its printmaking equipment. The studio was established to provide artists with access to specialised machinery and facilities that were then scarce in Dhaka, enabling them to explore different printmaking techniques.
His contribution extended beyond the studio’s physical infrastructure. Kalidas Karmakar envisioned an artist residency programme that would give printmakers a shared space to work independently, exchange ideas and develop their artistic practices.
He remained closely involved with Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71 until his death on October 18, 2019, serving as a lifelong Adviser and helping shape the institutions’ commitment to artistic experimentation and the development of printmaking in Bangladesh.
“Today marks the seventh death anniversary of Ekushey Padak-winning eminent Bangladeshi artist and printmaker Kalidas Karmakar, our beloved Kali Da. His contributions to the establishment of Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71, as well as to the arts in Bangladesh, particularly printmaking, are undeniable. On this day, Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71 respectfully remember Bangladesh’s ‘Alluvial Artist’,” Sourav Chowdhury, Artistic Director of Gallery Cosmos, told UNB.
Kalidas Karmakar died in Dhaka on October 18, 2019, at the age of 73, leaving behind a diverse body of work and a lasting influence on Bangladesh’s modern art and printmaking.