From the moment we were introduced, I addressed him as "Bijanda." Bijanda was the very first artist I ever met. Immediately after graduating from college, I became closely associated with the poet Saral Dey. Saral Dey was a children's writer, and I loved spending time in his company. Wherever he went, I was his constant companion. At that time, I used to dabble in writing rhymes; several of them were published in various "little magazines".
Saralda used to publish a magazine titled Tagbag. He encouraged me to launch a magazine of my own, specifically aimed at the new generation. It was given the name Itibachak (Positive). We decided on the content that would be featured in the publication. But who would design the cover? My father suggested I approach Bijanda. Apparently, he was a distant relative of ours. Much like my own ancestors, his family, too, hailed from Faridpur.
I made my way to Bijanda’s home. The renowned Bijan Choudhury used to paint in a studio located on the second floor of his house. He gave me a painting to use as the cover art for the magazine. That magazine, however, folded after just two issues. Subsequently, I became occupied with other endeavours, and I lost touch with him for the next few years.
Later, on the occasion of Rabindranath Tagore’s 150th birth anniversary, an art camp was organised in Kolkata. We met again at that event, and he extended an invitation for me to visit his home.
Once he learned of my father and grandfather, the conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with nostalgia. He gifted me one of his paintings. I recall him saying, "If you can, try to organise an exhibition. Paintings don't sell very well these days. These are difficult times."
Shortly thereafter, I returned to Bangalore. Then, one day-quite unexpectedly-I received the news that Bijanda had passed away.
It is my honour to present Bijan Choudhury's exhibition by Art Alinda in collaboration with Sangeet Shyamala, in New Delhi, from 24 April to 14 May 2026. This Bijan Choudhury exhibition is rooted as much in personal memory as in cultural responsibility. This is an opportunity to encounter the works of a forgotten master artist from Bengal.
~By Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya
