A Life Born for Art. An enthralling journey from the bold energy of commercial creativity to the profound depth of fine art expression.

Pratap Deb’s life story is a testament to the enduring power of artistic passion. From his early days as a prodigious talent to his eventual dedication to fine art, his journey is one of constant learning, exploration, and a deep commitment to creative expression.

Pratap’s foundation was undeniably strong. A graduate of Government College of Art and Craft, he dominated his class, achieving first place every single year. This early success was compounded by a string of national-level art competition victories, solidifying his reputation as a promising artist.

His career initially led him into the world of commercial art, starting with a role at JWT, a leading advertising agency in India. While his creative work was well-received, Deb yearned for a different kind of impact. He transitioned to the Government of India, taking on the significant responsibility of Head of Mass Communication & Design. In this role, he spearheaded numerous National Social Development Campaigns particularly during the Green Revolution, designing the call, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kissan” for the Ministry of Agriculture and later, “Hum Do, Hamare Do” for the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, utilizing his artistic skills to promote vital societal initiatives. Further broadening his understanding, he travelled extensively in America, studying Graphic Art & Communication at various universities.

Despite his success in commercial and governmental roles, Deb’s true calling remained with Fine Art. He possessed a rare ability to appreciate both the practical and aesthetic values of art in all its forms, but his heart belonged to the canvas. After a significant 17-year tenure as Head of the Commercial Art & Graphic Design Department at a prominent vocational institution in New Delhi, he made a pivotal decision. He left the institution to fully immerse himself in painting at the prestigious Lalit Kala Akademi studio in Garhi, New Delhi.

His inspiration drew from diverse sources. The poetic verses and songs of Rabindranath Tagore resonated deeply within him, fuelling his creative fire. He was equally enthralled by the groundbreaking work of painters like Salvador Dali and Picasso, and by the revolutionary art movements of Impressionism, Cubism, and Surrealism.

This culmination of influences can be seen in his upcoming exhibition, which will feature 16 acrylic-based paintings on canvas, encompassing both modern and contemporary styles. The exhibition will also showcase artworks created during his formative years at Art College, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the evolution of his artistic style.

Pratap Deb’s dedication to art has not gone unnoticed. The esteemed “All India Fine Art & Craft Society” (AIFACS) honoured him for his contributions to the field, an award presented by the late Shri Shankar Dayal Sharma, former President of India.

Addin another layer to his legacy, Pratap Deb penned his autobiography, “Sopne Bibhor,” published in Bengali in 2020. The title broadly translates to “Entranced by Dreams” in English. The title is poetic and storyline has idealistic overtones and carries a sense of emotional depth which we all can relate.

Through sharing his life’s journey, he hopes to inspire others to pursue their passions and embrace the transformative power of art. His story stands as an inspiring example of how dedication and a relentless pursuit of one’s dream can lead to a fulfilling and impactful life.

As Pratap always said “When life is filled with dreams, it gives meaning to life.”