Medium: Ink and Watercolour on Paper
This urban sketch captures the timeless charm of a vintage flower shop tucked inside the historic New Market of Kolkata. Executed in expressive ink lines and loose watercolour washes, the painting reflects the rhythm and character of one of the city’s oldest marketplaces. The spontaneous strokes and layered textures recreate the visual chaos of Kolkata’s streets — tangled electric wires, weathered signboards, busy shopfronts, and fleeting human presence.
The floral shop becomes more than a commercial space; it stands as a living memory of old Kolkata. Splashes of warm reds, yellows, and greens emerging from the shopfront contrast beautifully with the muted earthy tones of the surroundings, symbolising life and vibrancy amidst urban decay. The sketch-like figures and unfinished details allow the viewer to imagine the sounds, smells, and movement of the market.
Through this work, the artist attempts to document the disappearing visual culture of the city — the heritage businesses, hand-painted signboards, and intimate street interactions that continue to survive within Kolkata’s historic corners. The painting is both an observation and an emotional response to the atmosphere of New Market, where nostalgia, commerce, and everyday life coexist.
