Biren De (1926–2011) was an Indian painter of modern art, known for his paintings with tantric influences.[1] His paintings were characterized by symmetrical patterns of geometry and the presence of tantric symbols such as mandala, phallus and vagina, reportedly representing masculine and feminine energies of the universe.[2] The Government of India awarded him the fourth highest civilian honour of the Padma Shri in 1992.[3]
Biography
Biren De was born in Faridpur, in the Bengal Presidency (now Bangladesh) on 8 October 1926.[4] He relocated to Kolkata along with his family and joined the Government College of Art & Craft, Kolkata in 1944 for his graduate studies but did not accept the graduate diploma, citing a rift with the then college principal.[2] He moved to New Delhi in 1949 when he was commissioned for a mural at the University of Delhi.[2] His first overseas exhibition was held at Salon de Mai, Paris, in 1951.[5] Returning to India, he joined the College of Art, Delhi, in 1952, as a member of their faculty and stayed at the job till 1963.[4]