Partha Mukherjee, known as Kolkata’s ‘Coffeeman’, is not just an artist — he’s a good listener and a kind soul. He believes that sometimes, people don’t need advice — they just want someone to listen. This thought changed his life and the way he creates art.
His journey began with a small accident. One day, while painting with watercolours, he accidentally dipped his brush into coffee instead of water. Curious, he tried using coffee as paint and loved the warm shades it created. That’s when he discovered coffee painting — and never looked back.
Partha had earlier experimented with natural colours like turmeric and abir (used in Holi), but coffee became his favourite. He says, “Coffee has depth and warmth — just like human emotions.”
In 2020, when Cyclone Amphan hit Bengal, Partha wanted to help. So he sold his coffee paintings and donated Rs 1.5 lakh to help bookbinders and small traders in Kolkata. His act was appreciated by his employer, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), where he works as a support executive.
During the Covid lockdown, friends struggling with emotional stress began calling him to talk. As they shared their feelings, Partha listened quietly and painted coffee art live, based on what they were saying. Surprisingly, many said his paintings helped them see things clearly. That’s when Partha realised — this was something special.
He wanted to learn more. So, he took online courses in mindful listening and psychological first aid from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Toronto. He found that listening without judgement while painting could really help people.
Now, Partha visits cafés across Kolkata like Tribe, Karma Kettle, and 8th Day Café. He sits there, open to anyone who wants to talk. As they share their thoughts, he listens and paints with coffee, turning their emotions into art. He offers no advice, just a quiet presence.
Partha says he grew up in a home where making idols during festivals was a family activity. It taught him the value of hands-on creativity and personal touch — something he feels people are losing in today’s busy world. “Back then, people gave you their time. That’s missing now,” he says.
One of his most powerful experiences was when a man shared how he lost everything during Covid. Partha painted his emotions layer by layer. When the man saw the painting, he felt a deep sense of clarity and peace.
Though Partha continues to work full-time at TCS, he dreams of starting workshops where children can express their feelings through storytelling and art. He wants to make it a soulful and fun experience.
Whether it’s making portraits (like the one he gifted to filmmaker Sandip Ray) or simply sitting and listening, Partha’s mission is to bring people closer to themselves through art. “I don’t give therapy. I just listen and paint. The art becomes a mirror for their emotions,” he explains.
In a world full of noise, Kolkata’s Coffeeman offers quiet comfort and connection. “I teach for the soul,” he says with a smile.
