Mohan B. Samant

After studying art and miniature painting at the Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai, India, Mohan B. Samant began his artistic career working among a group of progressive artists seeking out a distinct, modernist identity independent from Britain. His life away from India began with opportunities to travel to Italy, Egypt, and across Europe (1957-58), followed by an extended stay in New York City (1959-64) facilitated by the Rockefeller Cultural Exchange Fellowship. Samant garnered significant support for his work during this time in the U.S., exhibiting with the World House Galleries in New York City, presenting his work at the Dunn International Exhibition (1963), and placing his works in several significant museum and private collections. By 1968, Samant settled permanently in New York City. He kept a regimented routine of playing the sarangi, visiting museums, and developing a unique style of work that incorporated papier-mâché, cut-paper constructions, plastic figurines, and wire drawings. His works have since been exhibited internationally, spanning the U.S., India, Japan, Germany, the U.K., and France.

Authored by Anna Lee, curatorial assistant for Asian American art, 2025.