Ganesh Haloi was born in 1936 in East Bengal, now in Bangladesh. He migrated to Kolkata during the partition. He graduated from the Government College of Art & craft Kolkata in 1956 and joined the Archaeological Survey of India as a Senior Artist. From 1957 to 1963 he was deputed to work at Ajanta Cave. Later, he joined Art College Kolkata as a lecturer in 1964. Earlier, his work included the study of miniatures at Banasthali (Rajasthan) and copying Ajanta frescoes for six long years. Initially, his work is dominated by landscapes, but formerly paintings reflect his introverted and philosophic temperament. Haloi's work shows his preoccupation with the theme of devastation or calamity and resilience. He tries to fit the irregular movements of life into the artificial boundaries of the paintings. His perspective is that of a victim but tempered with a strong dose of philosophy, a tranquil acceptance. His use of colors is thick, evoking thoughtful reminiscence with spontaneous ease. Ganesh Haloi has won several awards including the Late R. N. Chakraborty Memorial (ex-principal) Gold Medal from the Government College of Art, Kolkata (1956), the seven silver medals from Kolkata University (1953, 1954, 1955). Gold medals from the Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata (1955, 1956, 1957, 1963, 1964, 1966, and 1970).