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Art has always claimed a vital part of Indian life, developing stunningly original art forms; fine Indian arts have come to dominate the art world. The combination of traditional Indian art and western art set the tone for modern Indian art. As the traditions of spiritual philosophy permeated back into the fine arts of India, westerners struggled to comprehend the cultural and philosophical systems of Indian art. Perceiving an absence of perspective in Indian artwork, they viewed it as inferior to European forms.
Fusing native inspiration with European art, the Bengal school of painters developed unique styles, Abanindranath Tagore, father of modern Indian art merged Rajput and Pahari methods with European training. This distinct genre of modern Indian artmaintains pride within the contemporary art collections of contemporary Indian art galleries.
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In 1947, 6-young wannabees, F.N. Souza, M.F. Hussian, S.H.Raza, K.H.Ara, S.K. Bakre and H.A. Gade established the Progressive Group of Artists (PAG).Inspired by western expressionism, they created a new national aesthetic for India, contemporary Indian art within an international framework. They broke from the past cultural constraints, creating contemporary art entirely Indian but also modern.They have emerged as distinguished artists, sought after by contemporary Indian Art Galleries.
Their contemporary art abstractionism, contrasts with the restraint of traditional Indian art. Of the founding members only, Hussain remained in his native soil, enriching contemporary Indian art with his Indian artwork.
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The moderns determined a new language in art; political and emotional statements of the contemporary art of post-independence artists generated a global excitement in Indian art.
F.N. Souza, founder of PAG studied art in Bombay before expulsion for participating in the Quit India movement. Relocating to London, after an initial struggle he began to make an impact prompting one art critic to comment: straddles many traditions but serves none . Internationally recognised as an outstanding painter, he is renowned for his inventive forms and strong, bold lines.
S.H. Raza, studying art in Bombay won a French scholarship to Paris, of his influences he recognises: writers or painters and even musicians such as the Ustad who said, 'See with your ears, hear with your eyes. A strong colourist, Raza's paintings resonate with the hot, passionate colours of India. The bindu, a circular focal point seen in many of his paintings stems from his belief that it is the source of creative energy.
M.F. Hussain, a self-taught artist explored calligraphy and the forms of Kulfic Katcoupled with poetry writing. As an apprentice painter of cinema billboards in Bombay, wining the annual award of Bombay Art Society led to an invitation to join the PAG.His mix of the secular with religion, exclusive with common and his attachment to Hindu icons has made him a painter most representative of the Indian ethos.
K.H. Ara, part of Gandhi's Salt Satyagraha movement is known for his canvas of Indians celebrating an Independence Day procession. Self-taught, his creativity resonates in paintings of still life and nudes. Beginning his work with portraits reminiscent of colonial painters, his later paintings show hints of Cézanne and Matisse. His preference for watercolours and gouaches, with thin pigmentation is evocative of his artistic origins.
Lastly, S.K. Bakre, sculptor and a painter along with H.A. Gade was a founding member of PAG, exhibited in many of the European and American art galleries.
The traditions of Indian artwork have withstood invading styles, merging new forms with existing fine arts of India, these art styles stand alongside existing Indian fine art. As the world becomes a global village, Indian art, fine Indian arts create new boundaries with vibrant energy. Contemporary Indian art is comparatively lower priced than European and American counterparts, the Indian Diaspora, especially in the USA, has resulted in an emerging Indian contemporary art market. Their appreciation of Indian art and ever-increasing art collections pushes the prices of fine Indian arts or rather art for Indians, higher. If Indian contemporary arts receive greater exhibition in art galleries and Indian Fine Art Galleries, Indian artwork will garner interest from the international investment arena. Indian artwork has matured and no longer seeks validation from the West. A passion for homeland flavour characterises the purchase of Indian contemporary artsor art for Indians. A longing for Indian artwork turns the works of post-independence artists into positive blue chip stocks.
The best investments are compositions portraying India's struggle for Independence, the work of PAG Greats have put Indian artwork at the forefront. As appreciation resonates for Souza and assemblage, Saffron Art, a Mumbai based Gallery for Indian Art and auctioneers, Sotheby/Christie expand their collection of fine Indian arts, holding multiple auctions annually. Developing as an economic powerhouse, it is only natural that the fine arts of India assume their rightful place, making the 21 st century an Indian century, as British Historian, A. Toynbee presages: It is already becoming clearer that a chapter, which has a western beginning will have to have an Indian endingthe only way of salvation for mankind is the Indian Way. It is not only India Shiningbut also India Rising.
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Contemporary Indian Art Galleries
