About Artist

Shipra Bhattacharya (b. 1954, Kolkata)is celebrated for her expressive figurative paintings of women in domestic, urban, and natural settings. Initially trained in science, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Calcutta University before studying at the Government College of Art and Craft and the College of Visual Arts, Kolkata, where she was mentored by and later married artist Shuvaprasanna.

Since her debut solo show in 1981, Shipra’s work has been widely exhibited in India and abroad. Her acclaimed Desire series explores feminine longing through sensuous, symbolic imagery, while her fluid brushwork and luminous palette blur the line between reality and dream. Early works portrayed everyday rural and urban women; more recent canvases turn inward, using the female form as a metaphor for desire, mystery, and spiritual depth.

Her studio, Bagan (“garden” in Bengali), doubles as a creative retreat and tranquil sanctuary, echoing her love of nature. Shipra’s art also graces the covers of literary works, including Bani Basu’s Dark Afternoons and a poetry collection by Jibanananda Das, reinforcing the lyrical, meditative essence of her vision.