Born in December 1941, in Orissa, Jatin Das is a celebrated painter, sculptor, muralist and poet. A student of the Sir J J School of Art, under Professor S.B. Palsikar, Das is known for his dynamic human figures and his impactful and powerful strokes. He first displayed his works at the newly opened gallery of his art school in the year 1962. Thereafter he participated and exhibited his works at several national and international shows, including, the Biennales in Paris in 1971, the Documenta in Kessel in 1975, and the art exhibitions of Venice in the year 1978. He has held over 60 solo exhibitions.

The human body – the movement and energy of the human body, is often the primary focus of Das’s paintings. In his paintings of men and women, he captures the relationships of people, the plethora of emotions, thoughts and feelings, all conveyed through his deft use of colours and minimal strokes.

In his conversation with Tarana Khubchandani, Jatin says, “I don’t paint my canvases, I sculpt them.” This is best demonstrated in his large canvases resplendent in his unusual color palette with minimal strokes, and an image that speaks volumes, as his figures dominate the landscape. Jatins etchings, watercolours and charcoal drawings carry the same brand of lyricism, which best define his art practice.

Apart from painting Das has also completed several murals and sculpture installations. He works in oil, watercolour, ink, graphics and conté. His works feature in several public and private collections in India and abroad and have been auctioned by major international auctioneers.

Das is the founder and Chairman of JD Centre of Art, which houses classical, contemporary, traditional and folk art. Currently, its activities include a monthly Meet the Artist Program and a Film Festival Biennale on Art and Artists. Under the banner of Creative Dignity, hundreds of individuals & organisations who work with craft communities have come together to provide immediate relief to craftspeople across the country. JD Centre of Art has taken the initiative to be the state anchor in Odisha for this nation-wide initiative. They continue to educate, inspire, and sensitise artists, art lovers and the public at large. His collection of Pankha (hand fans) is also displayed here.

In addition to being a professional artist, Jatin Das has extensively lectured at innumerable art and architectural colleges and museums, both in India and abroad on contemporary and traditional art forms. He is an advisor to many government and private bodies. He has served as the Consultant to the Handicraft Board for the seven northeastern states in India, for the ‘Festival of India’ organized in Russia. Das has also been on the jury panel for the National Film Festival. He is one of the founder members of ‘The Poetry Society’, New Delhi.

In 2006, Jatin Das won the Utkala award, is also the recipient of the Bharat Nirman Award in 2007and in 2012, he was honored with the prestigious Padma Bhushan by the Government of India.