Rono Banerjee (b. August 15, 1959) has not stayed restricted to one field. His dynamism has led him towards experiments that nobody in his time even thought of. After graduating from the Government College of Art & Craft in 1985, he moved to the world of advertising, quickly making his way up to the position of Art Director and Creative Advisor in reputed agencies like Exposition and Clarion. During this time, he got exposed not just to the nitty-gritty of advertising, but 3D techniques such as “dimensional display” which paved the way for his huge success in his later works in Durga Puja. Leaving service, he achieved rare distinction as an entrepreneur in his own jute research company, Graphic Impex Molded Product Private Limited, receiving recognition and funds from UNDP for his original contributions. Totally disillusioned with the lure of winning prizes and accolades after his past involvement with top brands and their business strategies, when Rono turned to Durga Puja, his works came from a cultural background and knowledge base that few others possessed in that field. Capturing an “eternal” tradition in a “new” light, Rono’s mastery over earth colour and 3D structures created timeless masterpieces that are unmatched in their artistic intricacy, historical depth, and cultural weight, but still are firmly grounded in the socio-economic reality. He took “branding” and advertising to new heights with his memorable captions attached to each of his creations.

(Jun 2022)