Prokash Karmakar (1933 – 24 February 2014) was a celebrated Indian artist from Kolkata, West Bengal, known for his bold, vibrant landscapes and expressive nudes. His works—marked by strong lines, vivid colours, and rich textures—reflect a deep engagement with nature, urban and rural life, and the abstract qualities of form, consciously avoiding religious symbolism. 

Karmakar’s journey as an artist was shaped early by his father, Prahlad Karmakar, a respected artist-teacher. However, his formal training was disrupted due to the socio-political unrest of the 1940s and the untimely death of his father, leading him to forge his path through resilience, self-discovery, and an unwavering passion for art.In spite of these obstacles, his inherent passion for creation remained unwavering.

After a brief and disrupted stint at the Government College of Art & Craft, Kolkata, and a short period in the army—which he eventually left—Karmakar fully committed himself to his artistic calling. This resilience and devotion laid the foundation for a prolific career that would significantly influence Indian modern art. After a brief and interrupted stint at the Government College of Art & Craft, Kolkata, and a short-lived tenure in the army, Karmakar returned to his true calling—painting. He was a founding member of the Society of Contemporary Artists (1961) and the Calcutta Painters group, and His work has been included in the permanent collections of major institutions such as the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, affirming his lasting contribution to Indian modern art and the enduring relevance of his bold, textured, and vividly coloured visual language.