PORTFOLIO 2020
SUBHRAJIT GHOSAL PRODUCT DESIGN subhrajitghosal@gmail.com
This booklet, as well as, its components are designed by Subhrajit Ghosal for personal and clients/organizations. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, digital, mechanical photocopy recording or otherwise, without the written permission of Subhrajit Ghosal. All illustrations, models and photographs in this document are copyright Š 2019 by author/representative people/organization. All rights reserved CopyrightŠ2020
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Subhrajit Ghosal subhrajitghosal@gmail.com
SUBHRAJIT GHOSAL PRODUCT DESIGNER
2 4 | I N D I A N Explorer | Learner | Thinker | Maker | Artist | Traveller www.behance.net/subhrajitgee98
OBJECTIVE To find an opportunity in a firm where I can put my understanding and skills in use. To gain more experience in the industrial world. To be able to share my skills and also add on to the unknown.
EDUCATION EXPERIENCE Design Manager
Baaya Design Mumbai, India June 2018- Present
Industry Internship Baaya Design Mumbai, India June- July 2017
Internship
Maku Textiles Private Limited Kolkata, India June 2016
Earn while you learn
Railway Design Center National Institute of Design September- October 2016
Bachelors in Design (Product Design)
at National Institute of Design Ahmedabad, India 2018
Secondary and HS Education CBSE at Indian School Muscat Sultanate of Oman 2014
SKILLS Design thinking and visualizing Interdisciplinary approach Material handling Photography Research methods Culturally oriented Religiously inclined Strong team player Management Efficient challenge handling
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EXTRA CURRICULAR Coordinator, Cultural Team
SOFTWARE SKILLS
Member of Student Activity Council National Institute of Design Organized Garba’16 and Garba’17
Adobe Photoshop Adobe Indesign Adobe Illustrator CorelDRAW Sketchbook pro AutoCAD Rhinoceros Keyshot
Assistant Faculty for course Basic materials - Wood Foundation Programme 2017 National Institute of Design
Juror Design For Change DFC 2017 - Riverside School
LANGUAGES English | Hindi | Bengali
CONTACT
subhrajitghosal@gmail.com 9712617955
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CONTENT 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
TAJ ENACHANTÉ A range of copper enameled products UMMRAO A range of copper enameled plates PHILIA A range of copper enameled plates CHAMPA TREE Copper enameled wall mural OCEAN RANGE A range of copper enameled products TESSELA A range of copper enameled products NOSTALIGIA A range of Channapatna products YOG HEADSET A speculative design project PREMIER BEARING Wall murals for a corporate office WALLPAPERS Inspired by Indian painting styles WHEE A DIY pottery wheel CITIES FOR CHILDREN A system design project TEXTILE EXPERIMENTS Tools and techniques WHENEVER TIME PERMITS Illustrations
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TAJ ENACHANTÉ A range of decor and desktop products that capture the ethereal glamour of the Taj Mahal. The history of enameling in jewelery-making traditions was the inspiration behind this direction of thought. This enchanting range drew from the stunning Pietra Dura (precious stone inlay) on marble. The lustrous glass enamel work resembles the iridescent surfaces seen within the iconic Taj Mahal.
BRIEF To design a range of corporate gifts using copper enameling as a craft which could be mass produced and also be economical for companies to buy in bulk. Duration- 2 months- Internship Type- Individual Project for Baaya
PROCESS The project started with research on types of corporate gifts and the kind of demand that Baaya gets from its clients. A thorough study of the Copper Enamelling craft was conducted by performing the craft at the workshop with enormous explorations. (Ref. image on next page)
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Followed by few rounds of ideation and prototyping and then a very crucial stage in crafting, that is sampling. It took about 3 rounds of sampling and few cluster visits after which the products finally reached the producible stage.
COPPER ENAMELING The technique of creating multi-hued copper ware by fusing powdered glass on the copper surface by firing the articles at high temperatures. The process is one that requires patience, experience and high concentration to ascertain the right level of heat. This technique leaves behind indicators of the process history in the form of burn marks which add beauty to the product. The crafting process is as follows-
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TAJ ENACHANTÉ The range consists of wall decor plates, coaster set, table clock and a card holder. The products are now available at the Baaya store.
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UMMRAO A range of wall decor plates inspired by the lotus. This range depicts the lotus’ stages of growth and the formation of its leaves. The transparent beauty of water along with its glistening effect during dawn and dusk influenced the colour palette. The range was created for the Ummrao Restaurant at the Courtyard by Marriot in Mumbai. The series was designed accordingly based on their interiors and colour palette.
UMMRAO RANGE The range consists of wall decor plates available in varied sizes- 8”, 10”, 12”, 16” diameter and multiple designs.
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PHILIA These renditions of animal forms in copper enamel explore the mixing of two styles. While the animal motifs are primarily borrowed from Kalighat, they have been reinterpreted in copper wiring over coloured bases. This range explores scenes of friendship between woodland creatures from our fables, making them ideal gifts for friends as well.
PHILIA RANGE The range consists of wall decor plates available in 8� diameter and multiple animal motifs inspired by the Kalighat painting style.
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PLUMERIA TREE A life-sized mural of the Plumeria tree brings the natural bloom of this flowering plant indoors. The Plumeria or Frangipani is a ritualistic flower in southern Asia, commonly used in worship. The mural is made with completely customizable parts that can be easily dismantled and assembled. Multiple options for the colour of the flowers and the structure are available.
BRIEF By exploring the possibilities in Copper Enameling create a tree- wall mural that is easy to dismantle and install. Duration- 1 month Type- Individual Project for Baaya
PROCESS The mural was conceptualized with variations in forms of trees both organic and geometric keeping the possibilities of the craft in mind and a Plumeria Tree was selected. All fixtures and details were discussed and finalized in the cluster by trail and error.
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Each element of the tree was cut to size in copper sheets and shaped. The leaves and flowers were enameled and later sent to the site for the final assembly. (Ref. images on the right page)
INSTALLATION The mural is number coded that makes it easy to assemble and a manual is also provided to make the installation process DIY.
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PLUMERIA TREE The mural is made up of 6 main segments- 2 barks and 4 bunches of leaves and flowers. The tree holds around 40 leaves and flowers that are enameled on copper. The dimensions are 6 x 5 feet.
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OCEAN PEARL From the depths of the aquatic world, inspired by its cool colours, unpredictable forms and textures, is a range of copper enameled products aimed at enhancing one’s collection of oceanic treasures. The colours of this range were consistently experimented with to create the final refreshing palette resembling the hues of the ocean.
BRIEF By experimenting with colours and forms, design ranges of home accessories using Copper enameling craft for the international market. Duration- 2 month Type- Individual Project for Baaya Considering the market, two mood boards were created. One was around the coastal theme and the other on urban lifestyle. The coastal themed board is shown here along with the elements derived from it.
The theme was inspired by the underwater life like the corals, fishes, plants, flowing water etc. The colour palette too was a challenge for the craft since the colours used were not commonly available in the craft. A list of potential products was also made that were later conceptualized based on the theme.
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Experiments were done to achieve the right colours and bring consistency in them for mass production. After few rounds of sampling, the final range was developed, and ready for production.
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OCEAN PEARL RANGE The range consists of a collection of wall decor plates, t-light holders and coaster set. The plates are available in three sizes- 16”, 12”, 10” and 8” diameter and can be composed in various formations. All the products are available in the Baaya store.
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TESSELA Inspired by the sophistication of city life and the interactions of its elements such as architecture, roads, transportation and the population. These elements weave together in a complex fashion with endless possibilities for geometric tessellations. The range narrates the enigmatic angles found at every juncture of urban life. The colours portray a blend of formal and informal lifestyles that add the right accents to a home.
BRIEF By experimenting with colours and forms, design ranges of home accessories using Copper enameling craft for the international market. Duration- 2 month Type- Individual Project for Baaya Continuing the previous project with another theme inspired by the Urban lifestyle, a mood board was created.
The theme was inspired by the interaction of elements in a city and the patterns that emerge out of the chaos with smart use of colours. A strong geometry with tessellations emerged out of the theme which required a lot of precision in wire work to achieve the quality. A list of potential products was also made that were later conceptualized based on the theme.
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Experiments were done to achieve the sharp geometric forms and bring consistency in them for mass production. The thickness of the copper wires were reduced to get the make the perfect bends. After few rounds of sampling, the final range was developed, and ready for production.
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TESSELA RANGE The range consists of a collection of wall decor plates, t-light holders and coaster set in 2 colour variations. The plates are available in two sizes and can be composed in various formations. All the products are available in the Baaya store.
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NOSTALGIA A range of carved wood and lac turnery products finely finished in the town of Channapatna, Karnataka, inspired by the American heritage. Its ever evolving lifestyle yet with a touch of its glorious legacies, this range depicts the memory of the past with its red accents on the edgeless form of the globe.
BRIEF By experimenting with colours and forms, design ranges of dining accessories using Channapatna craft for the international market. Duration- 2 month Type- Individual Project for Baaya Continuing the previous project with another theme inspired by the American legacies and their ever evolving lifestyle.
The theme was inspired from nostalgic elements that one relates to American history. To make the products seem more ageless circular formal language was adopted. A list of potential products was also made that were later conceptualized based on the theme.
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The craft was studied in depth before ideation and then a series was developed. The products made had to be food grade since and hence various treatments on wood were tried. Lac being a natural material was safe with food but couldn’t withstand too much heat. All these factors were kept in mind and a range was finally developed.
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NOSTALGIA RANGE The range consists of a collection of dining accessories- shakers, bowl, napkin ring and jar. The products are made up of peach wood and are food grade.
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PREMIER BEARING Inspired by the history, principles and work culture of the company, wall murals were designed with the aim to add colours and liveliness to a corporate space. Premier Bearing is a leading bearing distribution company in association with Schaeffler and have several offices across the country. This particular project was done for their office in Chennai.
BRIEF To design wall murals for the office of Premier Bearing, Chennai. The murals must reflect company branding in a creative manner. Duration- 2 months Type- Individual Project for Baaya
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After a series of initial concepts that were pitched to the clients, few were selected and detailed out along with simulations (Ref. next page) in space to get a fair idea of the artwork.
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THE WORKING PRINCIPLES The company believed and worked on certain principles that were encouraged to practice. Connecting the concept of working gears that run on bearings, this interactive mural was conceptualized. It conveyed the idea of each principal being co-related and when one functions smoothly the rest of the system works flawlessly. The mural was made up of wooden gears resting on bearings that were connecting using string art.
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THE SCHAEFFLER WORLD The mural was created to highlight the presence of Schaeffler on the globe and its potential to keep growing as a bearing manufacturing company. This art piece was created using extruded wooden pieces of the world map layered with copper leafing. The landmarks were made using coloured acrylic sheets.
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THE PREMIER GLORIES Expanding on the idea of bearings, this mural was designed to be made up of fabric wrapped wooden pieces that come together to make a mega-bearing. Each concentric ring of the bearing narrated glories and achievements of the company, made in brass letters.
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WALLPAPERS A collection for the Indian painting lovers living in modern homes. A perfect wall covering that reflects your roots and connect to nature in a contemporary way.
BRIEF To design a range of wallpapers inspired by Indian painting styles for modern Indian homes. The wallpapers must not look like a painting and compete with the hand painted mural market. Duration- 1 month Type- Individual Project for Baaya
For inspiration three painting styles were shortlisted that were classic and have enough potential to be contemporized to fit modern homes. The painting styles were Pichwai, Thangka and Odisha Pattachitra.
KAPI Foliage of palm forest, where monkeys are having their own mischief time, intricately depicted in the Pattachitra painting style. CITYSCAPE OF HAVELIS A contemporary take on the Havelis painted in the traditional Pichwai style, adding a tonal citiscape to the wall. (Ref. image on right page) 38 65
SUNDARBAN Inspired by the ornate tree paintings in Pattachitra style the wallpaper is a depiction of the beauty of forests. The accents of gold, white and grey add to it, making it a perfect wall decor piece. Several inspirations like these were used to create the range of wall papers that are now available in several textures and materials as wallpapers.
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YOG HEADSET “Yog” generally means “in a state, or a phase, as in a phase of life” It is a play on words, linking to spiritual notions associated with yoga and yogi. Yog Headset is a virtual reality device to facilitate spiritual enrichment amid hectic, Indian work culture. A speculative design project realizing craft as a sustaining element in future.
BRIEF Design workshop with Paolo Cardini, an Associate Professor of Industrial Design at RISD where we were asked to build objects, “souvenirs from the futures”, able to illustrate what the future would be in our own reality as consequence of, or in response to, the socio-political-economical present condition. Duration- 1 month Type- Group Project at NID
A story set in future was created to set a context to the project. Our story was imagined in a destopian future where the population has risen to an uncontrollable extent. The fear of losing their jobs has led people to neglect their health, happiness and loved ones. The Yog headset helps them to calm down by drifting them off to a place where they are spiritually healed. This pause helip them get back by to their daily struggle and sustain better. “Mahesh puts on his Yog headset and soothing chants begin to play and he soon drifts into a world of spirituality.” After debating upon few concepts like ‘the save me coin’, ‘portable temple’, ‘God anywhere projector’; the ‘Yog head set was finalized (Ref. images on the next page).
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Considering handcrafting to be a sustainable practice, there are more possibilities that they would live in the future. Since India is rich in such handmade skills, the project was aimed to create outcomes using crafts. Cane work with leather were selected for the product we were making. The product was sampled in part at two different workshops and later combined by stitching it together.
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CONCEPT In the absence of time to practice religious activities that provide mental peace, due to the busy daily schedules in future, humans will require a faster portable stimulative product that can give them the feel of their religion anywhere and anytime. This VR headset will enable users to feel the presence of holy environment using 3 sensesvisual, smell and auditory which can help them meditate or put themselves into a better state of mind.
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WHEE A pottery kit that enables children to learn and enjoy the activity of shaping clay by throwing on a wheel. The product has been designed considering several factors of young minds, their level of patience, dexterity etc, providing them with tools and dual functionality for the most convenient use. The product can be also used by professionals to ease certain steps of pottery in mass production.
BRIEF To design a Pottery kit for children above the age of 10 years to sensitize them towards handmade skills and also promote co-curricular activities. The product could be used at home as well as hobby activity classes. Duration- 1.5 months Type- Individual Project at NID
BENEFITS OF POTTERY IN CHILDREN -Creative outlet -Increase optimistic outlook -Improve focus -Exploring and experimentation -Reduces stress -Exercises the hands, wrists, and arms -Encourage sociability -A natural pain killer -Captures memories -Improve quality of life
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Considering all required components of the kit and other factors essential for pottery like centering, draining out the slurry, water container etc, a concept was finalized.
To verify the concept a prototype was created in thermocol on which all the posture and activity oriented tests were conducted. Followed by a model in wood with its machines fit in to test the complete concept.
Every part of it was tested separately to make sure that the activity it was aimed towards was done right.
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CONCEPT A pottery kit designed to be used by both left and right handed users, with tools to ease the process and provide encouragement to grow the skill faster. The kit contains a well shaped wheel keeping the posture of throwing in mind. The wheel also contains a double sided drain and containers that can be used to store water and slurry alternately.
CENTERING TOOL An easy to use tool that helps learners to perform the task of centering clay in a faster. The tool acts as a support for young hands to gain confidence on the wheel. The centering tool helps center the clay on the wheel 6 times faster than a usual method. The tool could also be used by experts for mass production where they can reduce upon the time taken for centering the clay and help create more products.
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CITIES FOR CHILDREN The child’s opinion is rarely ever taken into account when planning for the future of the city which is a strange thing considering that they are the one’s who will ultimately live in that future. The project is based in the context of Ahmedabad, an ancient city vying for smartness. By understanding how child centric initiatives play an important part of future resilient cities, the project was able to generate a series of workshop and activity modules to help articulate the child’s opinion so that it can be taken forward.
BRIEF Child is an important stakeholder in city decisions. Create a system to make sure that the future city reflects on its actions depending on the opinion of all citizens, big and small. Duration- 2 months Type- Group Project at NID
EMPOWERING CHILDREN A solution to achieve the goal but it would be futile unless its a 2 way process where in, not only are the children being sensitized but also are the citizens, for the mutual respect and understanding. We could have always focused on adults but the reason why children were picked is because - They are the future and learning is easier than unlearning.
Several research methods were adopted to understand the situation and also find out best practices that facilitate children to develop problem finding and solving methods.
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Conducted activities and workshops with children from different parts of the city, trying to understand if our concern is valid or not.
When discussing, initially, about how the city today isn’t growing organically and in a citizenfriendly manner, we considered the effect on the most unheard groups.
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The project concluded with a kit that can be passed on to any stakeholder to take forward in an attempt to empower children and build child-friendly cities. It is complemented with three other deliverables to facilitate the process. Through different research, validation and execution activities designed through the game cards, it empowers children to interact and involve themselves with their city.
A system by, for and with the children, these 3 deliverables have been user tested, developed and then further validated from the insights, observations, and experiments conducted. The book ‘knock knock- what’s there’ helps stakeholders realize the child’s perspective to the mega urban structures built around them.
The book ‘22 tips on conducting workshops for children’ enables stakeholders to set expectations and ease the process of involving children in decision making through activities.
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This module has been designed to retrofit existing systems and is replicable in order to have a greater reach. It is a module that is constantly re-innovating itself with changing times, a perpetual Beta that uses elements like make break structures, user-defined spaces, student councils and more.
TEXTILE EXPERIMENTS Textiles being a very large segment in the craft sector could not be missed. With a keen interest to understand the language of handling textiles, several experiments have been conducted. Working with textiles, I have grown on skills like weaving, types of dyeing, apparel making, embroidery etc that can be utilized to develop products.
WEAVING Understanding basic structures of textiles along with setting a hand-loom with denting and drafting. Creating basic weave and its combinations like ribs, rep and basket structures, twills, satin, cock screw twill, Bedford cord, etc. Also experimented with varied counts and materials creating fabrics that could be visualized.
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BRIEF To start a new product range- bags for the company by understanding the brand language and the customers the company is catering to. The bag should highlight the design principles of the brand and contain details that bring out an element of personal touch. Duration- 1 month Type- Internship Project with Maku Textiles MATERIAL Indigo over dyed recycled cotton rag, handwoven with indigo linen. Lined with over dyed cotton in natural indigo. HANDLE 21 inches long shoulder strap. POCKETS Two outside open pockets, and inside three patch pockets. DIMENSIONS 20 inches X 16 inches
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LEHEREIN- THE WAVES THEME Flow of water in rivers is the inspiration for these pieces where there is a play with intensities of the dye to show the depths of water. PROCESS The methods of resist dying used are Arashi Shibori and Nui Shibori which have originated from Japan. Malmal is used to show the translucent property of water. The areas to be left undyed are stitched and tied together for Nui Shibori and wrapped around a pipe and tied using thread for Arashi Shibori.
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MIZU- THE SOURCE OF LIFE THEME Underwater scene is the inspiration for this piece with lots of creatures and lotus at the surface of the water-body. PROCESS The method of resist dying used is called Itajime Shibori also known as clamp tie dye and the style is particularly from Japan. The areas to be left undyed are covered with wooden shapes and clamped. This piece is bleached instead of dying and the detailing are hand embroidered using the Katha stitch technique.
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TAAMRASI- THE LOTUS LAKE THEME Lotus lake is the inspiration for this piece where the lotus motif is derived from the Kalamkari style and merged into a composition of ripples in the form of dots. PROCESS The method of resist dying used is called Batik and the style is particularly from Shantiniketan, W.B., India. The areas to be left undyed are covered with bees wax (in the boiling form) and later removed by boiling after dying using salt based dye.
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MASTANI- THE ROYAL ONE THEME For cultural day of our campus this apparel was designed keeping Rajwada theme in mind. Royal and elegant but not too heavy with minimal colours making it a good Indian event wear. PROCESS Fine cotton dyed in jet black dye was used to make the major body. The chest portion consists of hand embroidered black sequence patterns done on a machine embroidered kota fabric. This apparel took 7 days to complete with all its details.
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BRIEF To create a window divider for a space where people can conduct small meetings, read books, attend skype calls or just relax. The space allotted is in the Product Design Studio of NID. The products should be easily replicable using the maker culture ideology. Duration- 1 week Type- Individual Project at NID
PROCESS The divider has alternately joined square sheets of felt joined at the corners by a simple rope knot. The square sheets are lazer cut and the joinery squares are dyed in acid based dyes. Then the whole divider is made by joining these pieces using jute ropes.
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ABOUT THE PRODUCT The felt window divider comes in two layers which are placed in a way where the first layer has alternately hollow square spaces which get covered by the second layer allowing both semi and completely covered window.
WHENEVER TIME PERMITS Making illustration have been an inseparable part of me right from childhood and my sketchbook travels with me to the places where cameras cannot enter. With experiments in almost all media and painting styles, I keep developing collections worth an exhibition some day.
Dakshineshwar Kali Temple West Bengal Size- 20x12 cm
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11 Shiva Temple in Dakshineshwar Temple West Bengal Size- 20x12 cm
Park Street West Bengal Size- 20x12 cm
Shobhabajar Rajbari West Bengal Size- 20x12 cm
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Botanical series in Pattachitra style Size- 20x28 cm
Godhuli- an evening in Vrindavan Size- 100x130 cm
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