Baldev Gambhir (Painter)

was conferred with

Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi Sanmaan

Instituted by

Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi

by Shri Atul Dodiya, well known artist

at  Punjab Kala Bhawan

Sector 16 B, Chandigarh

on 5th April 2019

Baldev Gambhir, a veteran artist from Amritsar, was born in 1943, West Pakistan. Mother and Nature were his twin sources of early artistic inspiration. A strong inner discipline,  quiet reserve and keen observation enabled him to mature from year to year with greater assurance and confidence.

The variety of geometric schemes in his pictorial compositions sparkle  with the intensity of bright colours, often set off against silky greys. The accuracy of pictorial values gives an impression of ‘hearing’ colors slide over each other, glowing and dense, yet fresh, lively and delicate in tone.

As an academician, he holds an MA in Drawing and Painting from Meerut University and a doctorate degree from Agra University under the able guidance of renowned artist Late Dr. B. P. Kamboj, Former Secretary, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi. He is on the panel of 28 universities across India as a member of RDC and Board of Studies. His life and works have been the topic of dissertation by Ph.D., M.Phil and MFA scholars from HP University, Shimla; MG University, Benaras; Bhopal University and Kurukshetra University. Jalandhar Doordarshan featured him as a prominent artist of Punjab in a documentary film telecast in 2002.

He has to his credit a 96’ X 11.5’ and 76’ X 11.5’ acrylic sheet work at Ropar Thermal Plant in 1985, titled ‘Electricity for All’.

Baldev Gambhir has attended 70 workshops at National and State level, held 45 Solo and Group shows, and 4 International Solo shows that include three at USA – ‘Charcoal Oak Cultural Centre, Hartford, Connecticut; ‘Silver Circle Studio, Putnam CT, USA; ‘Paint Me Picasso’ South Windsor USA and one at Navrang Art Gallery, Lahore, Pakistan. He has participated in 7th Triennale, Delhi, 1st Biennale, Bhopal and 4th Biennale at Cairo, Egypt.

He has won a number of State level awards since 1965, including an Honorable Mention in 1991, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi; Senior Fellowship through Ministry of Culture, New Delhi; ‘Sanman Patra’ from Bombay Art Society; AIFACS, New Delhi; Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi, Chandigarh; U.P State Lalit Kala Akademi and All India State Exhibition, Patna. His paintings are in the collections of galleries and museums, Govt. offices, Universities and Academies in India and abroad.

Though painting continues to be his greatest passsion, he has also proved himself in performing arts by playing character roles in a number of stage plays.

Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi feels honoured in conferring the Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi Sanmaan upon Shri Baldev Gambhir.