Posted on 15 June 2025:

Reviving Printmaking in North Bengal: A Creative Journey Begins in Siliguri

A fresh wave of artistic energy swept through Siliguri as the Dooars Artists Group (DAG) hosted a vibrant three-day workshop to rekindle the forgotten art of printmaking. 

Held from June 8 to 10, 2025, at the Ramkinkar Exhibition Hall, Siliguri,  the event united 20 passionate artists—both emerging and experienced—in an inspiring exchange of creativity and tradition. 

Under the expert guidance of noted printmaker Jyotirmoy Dalpati, participants explored the timeless techniques of lino cut and woodcut, breathing new life into the age-old craft of relief printing.

This initiative marks a hopeful step toward restoring printmaking’s place in the heart of North Bengal’s artistic identity.

Bridging the Gap: A New Chapter for Printmaking in North Bengal

The recent workshop by Dooars Artists Group (DAG) not only awakened creative spirits but also spotlighted a long-standing void in North Bengal’s art ecosystem. 

Core members—Mrinal Kanti Roy, Sampa Kar, Prabhakar Singh, Sandeep Sen, Pokhraj Guha and Sourav Das—voiced their shared mission to revive printmaking in a region historically rich, yet lacking in essential infrastructure. 

“Printmaking is widely taught in national and international art institutions, yet North Bengal artists have been deprived of such opportunities,” shares renowned artist Mrinal Kanti Roy. 

While printmaking has thrived globally since the Tang Dynasty and found vivid expression in Bengal’s Battala woodcuts, young artists in North Bengal still face limited access to public studios and formal training. 

DAG remains committed to building a more inclusive creative future—one where every artist has the tools and platform to leave their mark.