Introduction
The modern period in Indian art is often considered to have begun around 1857 as Indian painting, an extension of miniature painting. Artists were exposed to Western influences and modernization, leading to significant changes in Indian art.
The Company Paintings and Cultural Nationalism
- Meaning: It refers to the style that emerged in various Indian cities when local Indian artists adapted their traditional techniques to cater to the tastes and interests of British colonial officials during the 18th century.
- Features: Fusing elements of Rajput, Mughal, and other Indian styles with European influences.
- Use of watercolor, linear perspective, and shading techniques.
- Themes: social unrest and human predicaments; Indian philosophy and metaphysics in ‘tantric’; a growing interest in surrealism and fantasy.
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Different Styles
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- It was influenced by European encounters in India and they adopted Roman and Greek influences. It was prominent in the Bengal and Bihar regions, featuring depictions of Indian bazaars against European backgrounds.
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Bengal School of Painting:
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- The Bengal School of Art was an art movement and style that, although initiated in Calcutta, Bengal, extended its influence throughout India, reflecting nationalist sentiments in art.
- It is also called the Renaissance School or the Revivalist School.
- It was spearheaded by Abanindranath Tagore (1871–1951) and supported by E. B. Havell (1861–1934), the British administrator and principal of the Calcutta School of Art.
- They drew inspiration from traditional Indian art forms like Mughal and Pahari miniatures, rejecting the influences of the Company School of Painting and the European academic style prevalent in colonial art schools.
Important Painters and their Work
- Abanindranath Tagore gained global recognition for his “Arabian night” series.
- He infused Swadeshi values into Indian art, countering Western materialistic influences.
- His renowned works include “Bharat Mata” and various Mughal-themed paintings.
- Nandalal Bose, his iconic white-on-black sketch of Gandhi during the Dandi March
- Illuminated the original Constitution of India document.
- Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906): His school of modern painting earned its name due to its incorporation of Western techniques and themes.
- Hailing from Kerala, he is often referred to as the ‘Father of Modern Indian Art’.
- He combined South Indian painting elements with Western styles and colours.
- Some of his most renowned works include “Ladies in the Moonlight,” “Shakuntala,” “Damayanti,” and “Swan.”
- His paintings depict scenes from the Ramayana.
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- It drew inspiration from the European Cubist movement, characterised by breaking down, analysing, and reassembling objects. M.F. Hussain was one of India’s renowned cubist artists.
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Conclusion
- Modern painting in India has evolved into a dynamic and diverse artistic landscape, encompassing a wide range of styles, themes, and expressions.
- It continues to flourish, inspiring creativity, sparking conversations, and contributing to the global art discourse while reflecting the rich tapestry of Indian culture and identity.
April 12, 2024
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