Manishi Dey Biography 
Manishi Dey was an Indian painter from Bengal who lived during the period, 1909–1966. His elder brother Mukul Dey was a pioneering Indian artist and dry point etcher. Their two sisters were also accomplished in arts and crafts. Manishi Dey succeeded in painting and drawing. Many of the works of this acclaimed artist are still displayed in several art galleries and museums across India. His works were exhibited in London and New York, and many of his works have received international auction. He was the mentor of well-known artist Li Gotami Govinda and introduced her to Bengal School of Art.
His real name is Bijoy Chandra Dey. He was born on 22 September 1909 in Dhaka, British India. He lost his father at the age of 17. Then he was sent to the Santiniketan School, Patha Bhavana. Though he was initially not interested in the teaching procedures there, his education changed favourably after he got attracted to Abanindranath Tagore’s Bengal School of Art. Later he became one of the foremost students of Abanindranath Tagore in the art school.
The dramatic political, social and religious developments in the Indian subcontinent in the first half of 20th century influenced him a lot and gave a great impact on his works and thoughts as well. Partition of Bengal in 1905 and Bangladesh Liberation War are among those major changes which influenced his studies as well. Abanindranath Tagore promoted traditional Indian culture in his teachings and Manishi Dey followed his guru in all means.
He travelled extensively in Indian sub-continent and drew great inspirations for his works. When Manishi Dey's brother Mukul decided to settle in Santiniketan in 1928, Mukul marked the start of series of exhibitions all over India. He displayed his first solo exhibition at the age of 19. He closely interacted with acclaimed artists in the 1940s and 1950s. He died on 31 January 1966 in Kolkata while he was at his career peak. He was only 56 years old then.
Published: November 27, 2018
Updated: November 27, 2018
