| Medium | : | Tempera |
|---|---|---|
| Height | : | 22 inch / 55.9 cm |
| Width | : | 28 inch / 71.1 cm |
| Surface | : | Board |
| Style | : | Figurative Paintings |
| Dimension | : | W: 71.1 cm × H: 55.9 cm |
| Year | : | 2015 |
A striking figurative work by Lalu Prasad Shaw, Babu Bibi captures a candid moment between a traditionally dressed couple through bold colours, refined lines, and expressive simplicity. Rich in Bengali character and timeless appeal, the painting celebrates the quiet poetry of everyday relationships with warmth and elegance.
Lalu Prasad Shaw | Babu Bibi | Tempera on Board | 28 x 22 inches | 2015
“Babu Bibi” by Lalu Prasad Shaw beautifully captures the quiet charm of everyday relationships through the artist’s unmistakable folk-inspired visual language. Set against a vibrant crimson background, the painting portrays a man and woman engaged in a subtle yet expressive exchange. The woman delicately holds a cluster of flowers, while the man, cigarette in hand and a folded fan resting in his other, appears to be immersed in conversation. Their poised gestures and steady gazes create a narrative that is both intimate and open to interpretation.
Known for his clean lines, flattened forms, and graceful compositions, Lalu Prasad Shaw celebrates the elegance of ordinary people without relying on elaborate settings. The rich colours, stylised figures, and carefully balanced composition evoke the nostalgia of Bengal’s cultural heritage while remaining refreshingly contemporary. The artwork reflects the beauty of human connection, shared moments, and unspoken emotions, making it a timeless addition to any art collection. Its bold palette and iconic style make it equally suited for modern homes, galleries, and thoughtfully designed interiors.
Born in Suri Bengal, in 1937, Lalu Prasad Shaw obtained a Diploma in Painting from the Government College of Art and Craft, Calcutta, in 1959.
Despite training in Company School art, traditional Kalighat pats and Ajanta cave frescos, Shaw evolved his distinctive style to work in watercolours and oil. His teachers were some of the leading artists of the time, such as Gopal Ghose, Rathin Maitra, and Maniklal Banerjee.
In the 1970s, Shaw mastered the genre of graphics — initiated by the Society of Contemporary Artists — expressing it through the abstract form. Shaw experimented with the two-dimensional, geometric and non-figurative, as is evident in his lithographs.
Unlike his prints, Shaw’s paintings are charged with nostalgia and are object-specific. His brooding characters — men, women, and children — seem frozen into a kind of quiescent gesture; they are formal and speechless, but still expressive. Drawing from Mughal miniatures and adhering largely to profiles framed within borders along the edges, Shaw depicts faces of ordinary people, emphasising their physical characteristics. He has also experimented with landscapes, appearing to merge the urban and rural visual in styles ranging from the minimalist to cubist-inspired. His confident use of broad blocks of colours placed harmoniously is seen here too.
Shaw has exhibited extensively in India and abroad and his works form part of national and international collections. He has received prestigious awards like the West Bengal Lalit Kala Akademi award, the national award of the Lalit Kala Akademi, and the Birla Academy award. He lives and works in Kolkata.
If you’d prefer the artwork to arrive ready to hang, please get in touch with us to arrange framing and shipping at applicable charges.
Please note: Customs duties and import taxes may apply at your destination in accordance with your country’s regulations. Refer to our International Shipment document for guidance and support.
| Medium | |
|---|---|
| Height | |
| Width | |
| Surface | |
| Style |
