Rajib Gain

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Rajib Gain is an Indian contemporary artist whose practice centers on Wash Painting, a medium with a significant legacy in Indian art history. He was trained under the guidance of Honorable Sir Samir Ghosh and Honorable Sir Bilash Debnath, whose mentorship has been instrumental in shaping his artistic discipline and conceptual approach.The wash technique in India was notably developed within the Neo-Indian movement, initiated by Abanindranath Tagore, and later refined by successive generations of artists. Drawing inspiration from this lineage, Rajib Gain has been actively engaged with the medium since 2002, investigating its delicate layering, translucency, and atmospheric depth.His work reflects a thoughtful dialogue between tradition and individual expression, emphasizing tonal harmony, restraint, and emotional subtlety. Over the years, he has presented his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions, and his paintings form part of private and institutional collections in India and internationally.Rajib Gain’s practice is driven by a commitment to preserving and reinterpreting the wash painting tradition within a contemporary context. He acknowledges with gratitude the continued support of curators, collectors, and audiences worldwide, whose appreciation remains central to his ongoing artistic journey.

Wash painting Technique

Here is a brief description of the method used to create a wash painting. Wash painting is a method traditionally associated with Japanese painting and executed using watercolour. In India, the technique was introduced and developed by Shilpa Guru Abanindranath Tagore within the Neo-Indian movement.Unlike conventional watercolour painting, wash painting uses both transparent and opaque colours. Excess pigment is deliberately washed away with water, creating soft tonal transitions and atmospheric depth. This time-intensive process gives the medium its distinctive fluidity and expressive character. The process of this painting is described here.............

Bilash Debnath

Sir Bilash Debnath was my first art teacher,

and I remain deeply grateful for his guidance.

Prof. Samir Ghosh

Sir Samir Ghosh, my wash painting teacher,

has my deepest gratitude for his mentorship.

Gratitude to My Art Teachers

I owe my foundation in art and my understanding of wash painting to two remarkable mentors: Sir Bilash Debnath and Sir Samir Ghosh.Sir Bilash Debnath was my first art teacher. Under his guidance, I learned to see the world through the eyes of an artist, developing the basic skills, patience, and discipline that form the core of every creative pursuit. His encouragement and support gave me the confidence to pursue my passion for art.Later, I had the privilege of learning wash painting from Sir Samir Ghosh. His expertise, patience, and deep understanding of this delicate technique shaped my approach to this unique form of painting. I am deeply grateful to him for his guidance, which not only refined my skills but also inspired me to explore the subtlety and beauty of wash painting.Both of these teachers have had a lasting impact on my artistic journey. Their mentorship has been invaluable, and I remain forever thankful for their wisdom, encouragement, and the inspiration they have given me.

Rajib Gain

My Perspective as an Artist

For me, wash painting is not only a practice but a quiet conversation between my inner self, water, and colour. I work in the wash painting medium because it allows emotions to unfold slowly, without force. Each layer, each wash, carries time, patience, and feeling. I do not rush the process; I allow the painting to grow naturally, just as thoughts and emotions do. Wash painting has taught me humility. Water has its own will, and pigment responds in unexpected ways. Through this medium, I have learned to accept imperfection and find beauty in softness and silence. The repeated acts of washing and rebuilding colour feel almost meditative, creating space for reflection and emotional depth. My journey as an artist has been shaped by my teachers and by the masters whose works I admired in my early years. Their guidance gave me direction, but my personal experiences gave me voice. Over time, I have sought to develop a style that reflects my own feelings, memories, and quiet observations of life. Every painting I create carries a part of my journey. Through my work and my teaching, I hope to share not just a technique, but a sense of sensitivity, patience, and emotional honesty. For me, wash painting is not simply art—it is a way of living and feeling.

AWARD PAINTING

BANGLE HAWKER

Awarded in 2012 from Indian Society of Oriental Art

MOON LIT NIGHT

Awarded in 2003 from Indian Society of Oriental Art

FLUTE SELLER

Awarded in 2013 from Academy of Fine Arts

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Collector's Testimonials

Anadi Krishna Jain

Lucknow, U.P, India

Rajib ji’s painting of Radha Krishna is pure divinity. The softness of Radha’s expression, the grace in Krishna’s stance, and the sacred ambiance created by the lotus and gentle cranes reflect an otherworldly peace. The wash technique adds a dreamlike depth, while every fold, flower, and glance is rendered with remarkable precision and emotional accuracy. The harmony of colors and the serenity it radiates make it feel like a blessing rather than a possession. This artwork doesn’t just depict love—it embodies it.

Hafeez Shaikh

Creative director

New York, USA

I like Bengal school movement a pure eastern style against western art influences in India, lately it’s hard to find any one keeping this tradition alive, it requires lots of patience and hard work for days and month to create a painting, I am so impressed that Rajib is still maintaining this tradition with whole heartedly I am one of his fan and proudly own his paintings, his work is deeply rooted in purely Indian traditions, I salute his efforts for his hard work and dedication to a dieing craft, I am sure one day he will be more successful and recognized by everyone.

Lt. Col. Ravindra Singh

Bangalore, India

I chanced upon Rajib's paintings when I was exploring Bengal style some years back. His handling of the colour-wash technique makes his art stand apart and it comes alive in a very mystic sort of realist manner. His art reminds me of the artistic traditions of Nandalal Bose, Abdur Rahman Chughtai and Ram Gopal Vijayvargiya, among others. I got in touch with him and have thereafter been privileged to procure some outstanding art from him that will occupy pride of place in my possession. He has also done some commissioned work for us and it is always a pleasure to view those works of art. I wish him all the best and hope to see him progress further to achieve his full potential, which he is working hard towards. With best wishes, Ravi

Dr. Madhumita Debnath

Senior lecturer in Bokaro Mahila College.

Bokaro, Jharkhand, India

Few years ago, my son purchased a wonderful painting of an old smoker from artist Sri Rajib Gain . I was so impressed and awed by his lifelike painting that I requested him to make another piece of art to match our previous purchase, which was of an old lady doing embroidery. Through the painting, the message that I wanted to establish was that women are in general self-motivated and positive by nature, they are creative and productive at any stage of life and Sri Rajib Gain brought my vision into reality by his magic strokes on the paper. I am deeply attracted to the painting as it is also a reflection of my personality and thought process.

Mr. Samuel Varghese

Ph.D.; Retired Scientist, University Faculty and Administrator

USA

A few years ago, I bought three beautiful paintings by Mr. Rajib Gain. They are among the most treasured paintings in my collection. I am an Overseas Citizen of India, living in USA, and have been collecting Indian artworks for nostalgia. I find Rajib's works to be original, beautifully executed and representative of unique Indian rural sceneries and themes. I have been impressed by his mastery of the wash painting technique. I admire the most his innate ability to depict intricate details, especially the nuances of human expressions, in his artwork.

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indian wash painting