Chinese brush painting is one of the world’s oldest and most revered artistic traditions. Defined by expressive brush strokes, fluid movement, and a deep connection to nature and the cosmic energy of Chi, it embodies both technical mastery and spiritual depth.

Rabindranath Tagore, India’s first Nobel laureate, was deeply fascinated by Chinese brushwork and its artistic philosophy. His vision led to the integration of this style at Kala Bhavan (House of Arts) in Santiniketan, where he invited renowned Chinese artist Prof. Xu Beihong to teach. Under Tagore’s guidance, Indian artists blended Chinese techniques with Indian themes, creating a distinctive fusion. However, after Tagore’s time, this unique art form faded, giving way to more purist styles.

Today, Nandita Bhattacharya is reviving this lost tradition. Inspired by Tagore’s vision, she masterfully combines the fluidity of Chinese brushwork with quintessentially Indian themes—capturing the essence of rural landscapes, nature, and cultural motifs in her work.

Born in Allahabad, India, and raised in Rourkela, Odisha, Nandita originally pursued a degree in Chemistry from Calcutta University before following her true passion—painting. Her artistic journey took a transformative turn when she began training under Chen Shi Jin at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore. Over the past 15 years, she has developed a signature style that blends the ethereal quality of Chinese ink painting with the richness of Indian imagery, creating a genre uniquely her own.

Nandita’s work has been widely exhibited in India and internationally, including:

Solo Exhibition at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai (2019) – an overwhelming success with nearly all paintings sold.

Group Exhibitions in Singapore (2013), Kolkata (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2024), Mumbai (2016), and Delhi (2023, 2024).

International Recognition – Her works have been displayed digitally at the Milan Art Fair (UN)FAIR 2024 and exhibited at the Van Gogh Gallery in Madrid (March 2024).

Nandita’s art has earned numerous national awards and continues to captivate audiences with its rare blend of tradition and innovation.

Recently her painting was selected in a national competition by the Bombay Arts Society for their National Exhibition at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, in March, 2025.

To explore her early paintings, visit: Nandita Bhattacharya’s Facebook Page