Born in 1953, artist Ashok Bhowmick is known for his mastery and popularisation of the cross-hatching technique 

His early discovery of a passion for the arts led him to pursue formal training at the Government College of Arts and Crafts in Kolkata, where he honed his distinctive style

Bhowmick's oeuvre is marked by a profound exploration of themes that resonate both personally and socially His Coal Mine Series poignantly reflects on the harsh and subhuman conditions faced by coal workers, while the Jai Ho and The Bull Series delve into universal emotions and thoughts Birds frequently appear in his work, symbolising courage and companionship

Not just an artist, Bhowmick is also a writer and philosopher His art is deeply rooted in the Bengal School of Art, yet it embodies a revivalist spirit by blending traditional and contemporary elements He believes in the power of art to renew timeless symbols in fresh, contemporary forms breathing life into abstract concepts through creativity

Bhowmick's works are characterised by their figurative yet dynamic compositions, almost animating the subjects he portrays He employs cross-hatching to deconstruct and fragment images, creating a deeper connection with the world around him This meticulous technique allows him to interact with each bit of the flat surface, constructing intricate narratives

His contributions to art have been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the West Bengal Governor’s Award in 1974 Bhowmick's works are housed in esteemed collections such as the Ulmer Museum in Germany, the Modern Museum in San Francisco, the Lalit Kala Akademi, and the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi