Mrinalini Mukherjee
[1949- 2015]

Art & Deal

Mrinalini Mukherjee, one of India’s most acclaimed contemporary artists passed away on February 2, 2015. Daughter of artists Benode Behari , a pioneer of Bengali modernism and Leela Mukherjee, Mrinalini was born in Bombay in 1949. Having studied painting at M S University of Baroda, she did her post-Diploma in mural design under Prof. K G Subramanyan. Mukherjee’s was a unique place in contemporary Indian art. Her work were part of several prestigious Biennale’s and Art Festivals all over the world, such as the Paris Biennial in 1980 .Her sculptures knotted painstakingly with hemp ropes evoked a rich world of life, lush vegetation, organic forms and iconic figures. The strong note of sexuality manifested in her sculptors with phallic forms, mysterious folds and curves.
There was a sensuous, tangible quality to her work. Mukherjee’s sculptures were inspired by nature and its energies and elements. Biomorphic forms manifested in Mrinalini’s sculptures with mysterious and languid qualities as the artist sought inspiration from flora and fauna, juxtaposing raw natural forms with human traits and expressions to create a unique language for expression. Her works exhibit within them divine icons with their origin in the organic world and the human body, the shapes the sculptor created seemed to depict continuous movement and burgeoning, possessing a living quality. We feel deep remorse on loosing such an intense artist; we pay our respects and pray that her soul rest in peace. We sincerely hope that her work stays in the hearts and minds of generations to come and continues to inspire and tantalise.