Red, like a vivid thread, runs through his work, tying together the complexities of unity and conflict in our shared humanity. Sanjoy Chakraborty, a contemporary Bengali artist, integrates various art forms, including painting, performance art, and folk art, into his multifaceted creative practice. He is also an associate professor in the Department of History of Art at the University of Dhaka.”The Red Thread”
His work reflects his deep exploration of identity, politics, and culture, informed by his personal experiences and historical contexts.
Born in Chittagong, Bangladesh, Sanjoy’s upbringing shaped his artistic vision. Growing up in a Hindu family in a predominantly Muslim society, he experienced prejudice and marginalization, particularly being called “dandi,” a derogatory term for Hindus. This early encounter with identity-related issues left a lasting impact on him and became a driving force behind his art.
When Sanjoy moved to India to pursue his studies, he thought he would escape such labels, but he soon found himself called “bangal” (a term for people from Bangladesh). This made him realize that identity is often externally imposed, and no matter where he went, he would always be defined by others’ perceptions.
These experiences ignited Sanjoy’s interest in the complexities of identity and belonging. His art gets into the issues of borders—whether personal, cultural, or political—and how they shape human understanding. He reflects on the artificiality of these divisions, aiming to break down the boundaries that separate individuals and communities. A central theme in his work is the use of the color red, which represents unity and conflict.“The Red Thread”
For Sanjoy, red is more than just a color; it symbolizes the shared humanity of all people, regardless of race, religion, or nationality.
It reflects his belief that beneath external differences, everyone shares the same color of blood.
The use of red in Sanjoy’s art is deeply personal. It stems from his own struggles with identity and his desire to express a vision of unity in a world divided by borders and labels. By using red, Sanjoy hopes to challenge societal norms and encourage viewers to reconsider the ways in which identity is constructed.
He envisions a world where people are not defined by their nationality, ethnicity, or religion, but by their common humanity. His artworks, often filled with vibrant red, are an attempt to bridge these gaps and offer a narrative of equality.
Apart from his focus on red and identity, Sanjoy is passionate about folk art. Growing up surrounded by the folk traditions of Bangladesh, he was drawn to the pragmatic and functional nature of folk art. Unlike urban art, which can often seem disconnected from everyday life, folk art is deeply embedded in people’s daily routines and serves practical purposes. From food covers to house decorations, folk art plays a significant role in shaping the culture and daily experiences of people.
Sanjoy sees folk art as integral to understanding one’s culture, and he incorporates elements of it into his own work to express his personal connection to his roots.
In addition to his painting and folk art practice, Sanjoy has explored performance art and site-specific installations. Through these mediums, he expresses his personal connection to the land and the struggles related to identity and borders.”The Red Thread” In one notable performance, he drew a map of Bangladesh using his own blood, symbolizing his deep bond with the country and the organic relationship he feels with the land. Through this, he aims to communicate a profound emotional connection to the political and cultural landscape of his homeland.
Sanjoy’s art is influenced by several figures, including the iconic Bengali artists Zainul Abedin and Kamrul Hasan, as well as international artists like Marc Chagall.
These influences, along with his personal experiences and academic background, have shaped Sanjoy’s unique approach to contemporary art. “The Red Thread” His work continues to engage with broader themes of identity, politics, and culture, offering a critical reflection on the divisions that define our world.
Overall, Sanjoy Chakraborty’s art is an exploration of the complexities of identity, borders, and unity. His use of red, his engagement with folk art, and his reflections on the politics of identity make his work a powerful commentary on the shared human experience and the potential for connection in an increasingly divided world.
