Pratirodher Bhashya by Anuradha Ghosh [Hardcover]

Hemendranath is remembered by Bengalis mostly for his depiction of wet-clad women, overshadowing his remarkable landscapes and portraits. His multifaceted artistic vision has often been denied by associating his portrayals of women with an aura of sexuality, resulting in the obscuring of the emotional unveiling, strength, and fragility of these women. As an artist, he consistently opposed the Neo-Bengal school's Indian style of art, which combined nationalism, history, and tradition. He also objected to the notion of disregarding Western art and mediums, firmly believing that art should not be confined by boundaries. By rejecting both local and foreign labels, he envisioned an art scene in India where various artistic styles could coexist and engage in healthy dialogue. Hemendranath's entire journey in art can be seen as a story of resistance. This book delves into the unknown stories of his resilient opposition, scattered across his various works and writings. In a way, it is a re-examination of the art history of Bengal during that period.