Shaping Bengal: A Brief Chronicle stands as a remarkable milestone in Indian art publishing. For the first time, a single volume brings together a thoroughly researched and richly illustrated documentation of over 150 years of Bengal’s sculptural journey. Written by art historian and critic Mrinal Ghosh, and introduced by Professor R. Siva Kumar, one of the country’s foremost authorities on Indian modernism, the book offers an in-depth reflection on the evolving aesthetics, practices, and philosophies that have shaped sculptural art in Bengal.
What makes this book truly invaluable is its sweeping coverage of generations of sculptors—from the early academic influences and modernist pioneers to women sculptors, environmental interventions, and experimental contemporary practices. The narrative thoughtfully interweaves the work and context of legendary figures like Ramkinkar Baij, Ajit Chakravarty, Somnath Hore, Meera Mukherjee, and Mrinalini Mukherjee, among many others. It highlights not only their individual contributions but also the socio-cultural forces that shaped their artistic expression. The book also gives due attention to the lesser-documented sculptors and public artworks that have transformed Bengal’s visual culture but have seldom been archived in any formal publication.
Published by Aakriti Art Gallery as part of its 20th-anniversary celebrations, this limited edition of only 500 copies serves as both a collector’s gem and a scholarly resource. Over the past two decades, Aakriti has consistently supported Indian modern and contemporary art, and Shaping Bengal emerges as one of its most meaningful tributes—an effort to preserve, celebrate, and critically examine the rich sculptural traditions of Bengal.
Elegantly designed, the book’s cover features a selection of iconic works that reflect the depth and diversity of Bengal’s sculptural imagination. It is more than a chronicle—it is a curated memory, a visual archive, and a testament to the enduring vitality of form and material in Bengal’s cultural narrative. Shaping Bengal is destined to become a foundational text for collectors, researchers, students, and institutions invested in the history of Indian art.
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