Mithu Sen

Born in 1971 in West Bengal, Mithu Sen obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in painting from Kala Bhavan at Santiniketan, and later, completed a postgraduate program at the Glasgow School of Art in the United Kingdom on the prestigious Charles Wallace India Trust Award for 2000-2001. An enthusiastic traveler, Sen has explored several countries and many of her works have evolved from these experiences.

In her works, Sen contrasts scale, subject and genre to give life to her remarkable imagination. She works spontaneously in installations and paintings – one mark or symbol leading to another, with no preconceived narrative or definitive meaning, they consist of a peculiar collection of motifs that playfully subvert commonly held beliefs about femininity and sexuality. Juxtaposing intricate and large forms, conflating animals, humans and inanimate objects, and combining drawing, painting and collage, Sen’s works provoke both humour and serious consideration on the part of the viewer. Sen lives and works in New Delhi and is represented by Nature Morte.

Art Dubai Portraits is a film series that provides a short perspective into the lives and workspaces of artists that are connected to the fair through its programming or participating galleries. The Art Dubai Portraits are produced in collaboration with Forward James Filmmakers.