Birendra Pani was born in Orissa. He graduated from Kalabhavan, at the Viswa Bharati University, Santiniketan in West Bengal, attaining his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in printmaking. Following this, he achieved the level of distinction in his Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) in Graphics from the Faculty of Fine Arts, at the M.S. University in Baroda.
The human subject is a clear inspiration for Pani, figures and portraits being a common feature in many of his works. The influence of yoga is also evident in the artists works, along with the influence of the Gotipua dancers of Orissa. Pani aims to revive old schools of Indian tradition. His works communicate the state of modern day India, one that is heavily influenced by the ways of the West and is at at risk of loosing its heritage and traditional values. Pani also liberally and unapologetically utilizes bright, shocking hues in the backgrounds in many of his works, this which forces the attention of the viewer to the central figure depicted on his canvas.
In spite of having a limited number of solo exhibitions, Birendra Pani has made a remarkable impact on the Indian art scene. In 2001, he was awarded the Junior Fellowship of the HRD Ministry by the Government of India; but his real breakthrough came in 2003, when, for the first time, he participated in the Harmony Art Show in Mumbai that showcased upcoming, talented artists. Gallery Espace of New Delhi hosted a solo exhibition for the artist in May of 2007. Pani has also dabled in filmmaking and animation.
~ NJS '07 |
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