Sankho Chaudhuri was born on 25 February 1916 in Bihar. In 1939 he graduated in B.A.from Visva-Bharati University. In 1945 he did a Diploma in Fine Art in Sculpture, from Kala - Bhavan. He was influenced by Istvan Beothy whom he had met in Paris. His themes included female figures and wildlife. He was worked in a wide range of media, and has produced large-scale reliefs.
Chaudhuri was known for carving his pieces out of wood and stone and moulding in metal. He also used black and white marble. He had a sensitive feel for material which was transformed into a lyrical rendering of form. He was expert in moulding terracotta portraits which was done in metal or in stone. His portraits had a rough skin and a rough texture. He was drawn to the smooth and abstract forms of Romanian sculptor Brancusi while he stayed in Paris.
Awards received by Sankho Chaudhuri:
1956: National Award by Lalit Kala Akademi.
1971: Padmashri by President of India.
1974: D.Litt (Honoris Casua) by the Centre Escolar University, Philippines.
1979: Aban-Gagan Award from Visva-Bharati University.
1982: Fellow, Lalit Kala Akademi.
1997: Honorary Doctorate from Rabindra Bharati University.
1998: Desikottama (Honorary Doctorate) by Viswa Bharati University.
2000-02: Kali Das Samman.
2002: Aditya Birla Kala Shikhar Puraskar.
2004: "Lalit Kala Ratna" Honoured by Lalit Kala Akademi.
2004: "Lifetime achievement Award" Legend of India.
His Major exhibitions include:
1946: 1st One-man show, Mumbai.
1954: Exhibition of Contemporary Sculpture, National Gallery of Modern Art.
1957: One-man show in New Delhi.
1969: One-man show in Bombay.
1971: Retrospective show: National Gallery of Modern Art.
1979: Joint Exhibition with Ira Chaudhuri, Bombay.
1987: One-man show, New Delhi
1987: One-man show, of Sketches and drawing, Kolkata.
1991: One-man show, Calcutta.
1992: One-man show at LTG Gallery, New Delhi.
1995: One -man show, Cymroza Art Gallery, Bombay.
2004: One-man show at Baroda, Organised by Sarjan Art Gallery.
Sankho Choudhari passed away in Delhi 27th August 2006. He was a pioneer who introduced the `non-academic` genre of sculpture in the newly established institutions as Baroda in the 1950`s. He nurtured many institutions like Lalit Kala Academy. He was also instrumental in building up the craft museum at New Delhi.