In the quiet, serene heights of the Himalayas, Baniprosonno calls home a small town that sits at an altitude of two and a half thousand meters. Together with his wife, Putul, they share a life steeped in creativity and inspiration. Born in August in the 32nd year of the last century, Baniprosonno is not just an artist; he is a tapestry woven from diverse talents in drawing, painting, sculpting, and crafting unique objects. Throughout his illustrious career, he has held over a hundred solo exhibitions that have captivated audiences around the globe.
His artworks grace the walls of bustling cities like Kolkata, New Delhi, and Mumbai, extending across the ocean to Paris, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Oslo, and Stockholm. Renowned institutions have sought his genius, with invites pouring in from the Commonwealth Institute in London to the vibrant Kulturhuset in Stockholm. Each exhibition he holds is a testament to his unwavering passion and dedication, leaving a mark in each heart that encounters his work.
But Baniprosonno’s creativity doesn’t stop at art exhibitions. He believes in sharing his knowledge and fostering creativity in others. His workshops, titled “Phantastic Animals,” “Lamp and Insects,” “Wrap Rocks,” “Creative Paper Cutting,” and “Wonder Objects,” draw participants from near and far, eager to learn and create. It’s a magical experience where he sparks imagination and nurtures the creative spirit found in everyone.
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Baniprosonno dabbles in the culinary arts, planning to publish a cookbook named “Cooking Without a Cookbook.” He believes that cooking is another form of art, and it should be enjoyed without rigid formulas. His kitchen is a laboratory of flavors, where he experiments with local ingredients and shares fantastical tales through the dishes he creates.
One fateful day, as I visited Baniprosonno’s cozy residence in Shimla, I was enveloped in the warmth of his creativity. The walls were adorned with his vibrant works, each echoing stories waiting to be told. It was in this embrace of artistic brilliance that I found inspiration, igniting a spark within me. I dreamed about creating a gallery of my own, a space where creativity could flourish and connect with the vibrant culture of my own roots.
That dream transformed into reality, and thus emerged Slate Nest, a contemporary art hub in the heart of Guwahati. This new venture is not merely a gallery; it is a bridge connecting the spirited creativity of Northeast India with the timeless beauty of the Himalayas to the north. Excitement dances in the air as we envision the possibilities that Slate Nest holds for artists and the community alike.
The credit for this blossoming idea? It belongs to the legendary Baniprosonno, whose gift of inspiration knows no bounds. He not only shapes his own world but also kindles the artistic flames in others, paving the way for new stories to emerge and thrive in the quiet corners of life. As I embark on this journey of creativity, I carry Baniprosonno’s legacy in my heart, forever grateful for his influence in this enchanting world of art.
Dreams
1901 –1967
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
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