During the early years of independence, the citizens of India sought to define the parameters of its independence and understand its reason for being. The cultural sphere of the country was highly politicised. Contemporary art began to be produced during the British rule in India. Within the burgeoning art scene, artists introduced themselves as modern and secular practitioners. A combination of western techniques and Indian spiritualism became the essence of Indian art at this stage. Some themes were political, while others were concerned with formal issues. Some artists incorporated indigenous traditions, while others turned to art practices from outside India. Painters like Raja Ravi Varma, Gagannath Tagore, Amrita Shergil, Rabindranath Tagore, and Jamini Roy were the pioneers of contemporary Indian art.
This walk will focus on the works of these artists who were more exposed to the western art movements, but at the same time, struggled to retain the collective Indian identity.
This guided tour is free.
