SUDHASATTWA BASU

Suddhasattwa Basu, born in 1956, is an accomplished painter, illustrator, and animation filmmaker who studied Fine Art at the Government College of Art and Craft, Kolkata. His artistic skills extend across various disciplines, from painting to illustration, and have gained recognition in both print media and animation. Basu's talent is evident in his work as a designer and illustrator for prominent publications such as Target magazine from 1981 to 1985, The Economic Times in 1990, and both Business Today and India Today Plus between 1992 and 1997. His contributions to these publications reflect his versatility and precision in visual storytelling.

As an illustrator, Basu has lent his artistic vision to over 60 books, collaborating with renowned authors such as Khushwant Singh on Delhi Through the Seasons and Nature Watch, Ruskin Bond on To Live in Magic, and Namita Gokhale on Mahabharat. His illustrations are recognized for their ability to bring complex narratives to life with clarity and sensitivity. In addition to illustrating, Basu has also authored and illustrated several acclaimed picture books, including The Song of a Scarecrow (2003), Whatever You Give (2009), and Ravan Remedy (2013). His most recent work, Chandernagor – A burg of the moon (2022), adds to his impressive portfolio of illustrated and authored books.

In the realm of animation, Basu made a significant contribution by directing and animating India’s first animation television series, Ghayab Aya, in 1990. His expertise in animation extends beyond this pioneering work, with his animation shorts being featured in numerous national and international film festivals, further cementing his reputation as a multifaceted artist. His work in animation has been widely appreciated for its creativity and technical skill, bridging the gap between traditional art forms and modern visual media.

Basu’s achievements in the field of illustration have earned him several awards, including the prestigious Chitra Katha Award in 2003 and an honourable mention at the Biennale of Illustrations (BIB) in Bratislava, Slovak Republic, for The Song of a Scarecrow in 2004. He was also recognized by the Association of Writers and Illustrators for Children (AWIC) with a lifetime achievement award in 2010 for his outstanding contributions to children's book illustration. These accolades highlight his enduring impact on Indian illustration and children's literature.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Basu has made significant contributions to art education. He has been a visiting faculty member at the College of Art, Delhi, since 1998, and taught at the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, between 2014 and 2016. His role as an educator reflects his commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists and illustrators. Basu continues to live and work in Delhi, where he remains an influential figure in both the Indian art and animation industries.