Prokash Karmarkar came from an artistic family; his father was a renowned artist of his time. Unfortunately, all of his father`s paintings were destroyed in the Hindu Muslim riots in the 1940s, which also ruined his family. By 1949, both his parents had passed away, forcing him to abandon his studies at the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Kolkata. Virtually penniless and desperate for a break, in 1956, he held a street exhibition, the first in the city, hanging his works along a corner.

As an artist, he is considered a revolutionary in the sense that he doesn`t exhibit in art galleries. All through his artistic career he has always exhibited on street corners. He says, “I do not want my paintings to be imprisoned within four walls.”

Influenced by the works of Picasso and the classic impressionists, Karmarkar`s work reflects the degenerating society and the confusion that prevails in India today.

Prokash Karmarkar lived and worked from Kolkata. He passed away on 25th February, 2014.