When Surajit Biswas graduated from Visva-Bharati in 2014, earning a master’s degree in painting, he knew he was going to Baroda. Several of his seniors at the university had moved there and even he, while paying a visit to them, had discovered for himself that the city was more conducive to struggling artists like him.
“There are frequent camps and exhibitions, and there are ample studio spaces — the culture in Baroda is generally favourable for artists, especially those who have just graduated and are looking for platforms to hone their skills,” Mr. Biswas, 40, told The Hindu.
After about five years in that city, where he continues to be based, the artist decided to create a bit of Baroda in Santiniketan for the benefit of art students in Bengal. He started a project called Hidden Artist Initiative, under which he rented a house in a village, Boner Pukur Danga, and set up Bhumi-Kriya, offering space and ambience — for free — to artists who lack those ingredients at home.
