Revival of Figurative Art in the 1980s: A Shift in Modern Art Trends

In the 1980s, a resurgence of figurative modern art emerged, countering prevailing abstract trends.  Diverse trends in modern art showcased dynamic experimentation, reflecting societal and cultural shifts.

Social Concerns in Modern Art of India: Narratives Reflecting Societal Shifts 

• Social Concerns in Modern Art of India: Since the 1970s, many Indian artists turned to recognizable figures and stories, reflecting their concerns about social issues following the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971 and the birth of Bangladesh.

• Artistic Narratives: Artists like K. G. Subramanyan, Gulam Mohammed Sheikh, Bhupen Khakar, Jogen Chowdhury, Bikash Bhattacharjee, and Ganesh Pyne, in the realm of modern art, used storytelling in their paintings to address social problems.
• Accessible Cultural Roots: They drew inspiration from old miniature paintings, calendars, and folk art to make their stories accessible to a wider audience.
• Conflict and Inequality Depicted: In the domain of modern art, printmakers like Jyoti Bhatt, Laxma Goud, and Anupam Sud depicted conflicts between men and women and social inequality through their work.

• Perspectives of the Oppressed: Artists like Arpita Singh, Nalini Malani, and Sudhir Patwardhan focused on the challenges faced by urban dwellers and sought to understand the world from the perspective of the oppressed.
• Baroda Art School Shift: In the 1980s, in the realm of modern art, the Baroda Art School witnessed a significant shift as artists began to engage with their immediate surroundings and address social and political concerns. 
• Artistic Hybridity: They combined fact with fiction, autobiography with fantasy, and drew inspiration from various art historical styles. 
• Example: Gulam Mohammed Sheikh painted the bustling streets of Baroda while invoking the atmosphere of a medieval town in Sienna, Italy, using the style of Italian painters like the Lorenzetti brothers. 
• Socially Engagement: This period marked a heightened awareness among artists of their role as citizens in a democracy, resulting in a diverse and socially engaged artistic production.

The Public Role of Modern Indian Artists: Advocacy for Accessibility and Cultural Celebration in Modern Art

• K. G. Subramanyan: A founding member of the Baroda Art School with roots in Shantiniketan, learned about the public role of modern art from his teachers, Benode Behari Mukherjee and Ramkinker Baij. 
• Public Role of Art: He was drawn to mural art on large public buildings, aiming to make art accessible to everyone. 
• Sand Casting Technique: He adopted the technique of sand casting from Rajasthani artists, creating large-scale relief sculptures. 
• Famous Kala Bhavana Mural: Subramanyan’s work included a famous mural on the outer wall of Kala Bhavana, emphasizing art’s presence in public spaces.
• “Place for People” Exhibition: The concept of public art extended to the exhibition “Place for People” in 1981, featuring artists like Bhupen Khakhar, Gulam Mohammed Sheikh, Vivan Sundaram, Nalini Malani, Sudhir Patwardhan, and Jogen Chowdhury. 
• Role of Critics: This exhibition, shown in Delhi and Bombay, highlighted the role of art critics like Geeta Kapur in interpreting the artists’ intentions.
• Celebration of Popular Art Forms: Khakhar and the Baroda narrative painters celebrated popular art forms visible in everyday life, from trucks and auto rickshaws to small shops. 
• Inspiration from Everyday Life: In Mumbai, younger painters drew inspiration from popular images on calendars, advertisements, and film hoardings, even using photographic images on canvas. 
• Varied Technique: This style relied on double meanings and experimental techniques, often emulating the appearance of photographs but conveying deeper messages.

Modern Art in the 1990s: Shifting Mediums and Societal Commentary through New Media Art

• Impact of Liberalization: The liberalization of the Indian economy in the 1990s brought the impact of globalization, along with social and political issues, to the forefront, particularly in big cities. 
  • Artists sought new ways to react to these changing times. 
• Shift to Contemporary Mediums: Traditional mediums like easel painting and sculpture gave way to video and photography, which allowed for wider dissemination of their work. 
  • However, the most contemporary art form became installation, offering an immersive experience that engaged multiple senses.
• Emergence of Installation Art: Installation artists like Nalini Malani and Vivan Sundaram from major cities tackled thought-provoking subjects. 
• Photorealism in Painting: Photography, often seen as a rival to painting, inspired the development of photorealism, used by artists like Atul Dodiya. 
  • Commentary on Societal Changes: Younger artists such as T. V. Santosh and Shibu Natesan used this technique to comment on societal changes and technological advancements.
• Documentation of Marginalized: Photography and video also documented marginalized individuals and environmental concerns, championed by artists like Sheba Chachi, Ravi Agarwal, and Atul Bhalla. 
• Continue Evolution: Contemporary art in India continues to evolve, with artists and curators experimenting with technology and redefining the role of art to better understand the world. 
• Art Galleries in Major Cities: Art galleries, both private and public, can be found in major cities, and artists use a wide range of media, including digital paintings. 
• Influence of Social Media: Social media has played a significant role in shaping local art scenes, making it crucial for visual arts students to explore local artists’ work, visit galleries, and understand their contributions to society.

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