Indian art is a diverse movement that emerged over 290,000 years ago. It took another turn in the 19th century following India's independence as a modern touch was added to the Indian artwork. It depicted religious themes, historical scenes, or portraits. The different pieces signified India's engagement with global artistic trends and a move towards a more modern artistic identity.
Indian art, especially abstract art, focuses on elements like shapes, colours, lines, textures, and compositions to bring up emotions or ideas. Indian abstract artists are inspired from their cultural heritage but express it non-representationally. Here are some ways Indian abstract artists express their cultural heritage in non-representational ways:
- Colours: Certain colour combinations might hold symbolic meanings derived from Indian traditions. For example, saffron represents fire or spirituality, while blue could represent the heavens or Krishna.
- Shapes: Geometric shapes like triangles or mandalas might be incorporated, referencing traditional architectural elements or spiritual symbols.
- Textures: Textures like scraping or impasto techniques could evoke the roughness of ancient temple walls or the textures of traditional textiles like silk or brocade.
- Composition: The overall composition of the artwork might be influenced by traditional forms like the grid system (seen in yantras).
- Mythological References: Abstract artists might use subtle hints to stories or deities from Indian mythology through colour choices, shapes resembling symbolic objects, or titles that signify specific narratives.
Indian abstract art often reflects the artist's inner world, their emotions, and their spiritual connection to the universe. It usually incorporates elements of Indian aesthetics and philosophy, such as the concept of ‘Shunya’ (emptiness) or the importance of balance and harmony.
The Rich History and Cultural Significance of Indian Art
With roots tracing back thousands of years, Indian art combines varied cultures and influences. From prehistoric cave paintings to the vibrant murals of Ajanta, early art served as a record of life and spirituality.
The Mauryan Empire (3rd- 2nd century BCE) featured grand sculptures and towering pillars. Over thousands of years, India saw many different art styles. Mughal paintings showed off the fancy lives of kings and queens. Maharashtra's Warli paintings, a kind of folk art, told stories about tribal life and more.
Each historical period in India has breathed life into the canvas, immortalising deities, epics, and everyday experiences. Indian art has been a journey through the soul of a nation, a vibrant testament to its evolving heritage. Some more significant periods in the history of Indian art are –
1- Gupta Empire (4th-6th century CE): This period saw the development of iconic sculptures like the Buddha of Sarnath with intricate murals depicting Buddhist stories and Jataka tales at the cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora.
2- Mediaeval Period (7th-18th century CE): The Cholas in South India built magnificent temples with detailed metal statues of gods like Shiva, including one of him dancing (Nataraja). In the north side, the Rajputs were famous for their colourful tiny paintings that showed scenes from the royal courts, epic stories like the Mahabharata, and tales of Krishna.
3- Mughal Empire (16th-18th century CE): This time period is famous for Mughal miniature paintings. These are tiny paintings with incredible detail, lots of gold paint, and pictures of real events, important people, and even nature.
4- Colonial Period (18th-mid 20th century CE): Western influences emerged alongside traditional styles. Artists like Raja Ravi Varma combined European techniques with Indian themes, creating paintings that bridged the gap between the two cultures.
Modern and contemporary art began in the mid-20th century and has continued since. Pieces like M.F. Husain's bold paintings addressed social and political issues. S.H. Raza was one of the first artists in India to create abstract art. He learned from abstract artists in the West, but his work also reflected his Indian background.
Different Styles of Traditional Indian Artwork
Madhubani Painting
Folk art from Bihar is known for its intricate geometric patterns and mythological narratives.
Warli Painting
Tribal art uses simple lines and geometric forms to depict daily life and rituals.
Tanjore Paintings
Vibrant colours, gold leaf accents, and religious themes characterise South Indian paintings.
Kerala Mural Paintings
Large-scale murals adorning temples and palaces showcasing gods, goddesses, and epic stories.
Temple In Aravalis By Panoramic India- Buy Indian Art Online – TravelArty
Patachitra
Orissan art depicting Hindu deities and Vaishnava legends on cloth or palm leaves.
Kalighat Paintings
Vibrant Bengali folk art is known for portraying Hindu gods, goddesses, and social themes.
Sundown Gossip Godesses by Anannya Mohapatra (Canvas Painting - 16X20 – TravelArty
Notable Indian Artists and Their Masterpieces
- V.S. Gaitonde: Painted mostly in one colour, creating deep and mysterious images. His masterpiece, "Untitled" (1971), exemplifies his exploration of emptiness ("Shunya") and the infinite.
- Abanindranath Tagore: A key figure in the Bengal School of Art, Tagore revived traditional Indian art styles and themes. His masterpiece Bharat Mata (1905) personifies Mother India as a saffron-clad woman, becoming an iconic image during the Indian independence movement.
- Ram Kumar: Painted abstract pictures that hint at human figures and nature. His "Trees" series uses vertical lines and textured surfaces to suggest the presence of nature, while works like "Bindu" ("The Point") delve into themes of solitude and introspection.
- Nasreen Mohamedi: A female abstract artist known for her geometric explorations and intricate line drawings. Her work, "Shifting Lines," exemplifies her use of grids and repetitive patterns to create a sense of order and movement.
- M.F. Husain: A prominent Indian modernist artist, Husain's bold and expressive paintings often explored social and political themes. His piece, Gajendra Moksha (1977), depicts the mythological story of Gajendra, a metaphor for seeking divine help during times of crisis.
How to Incorporate Traditional Indian Art into Your Home Décor
Here is how you can transform your home with Indian art pieces as a focal décor –
- Living Room: Pair colourful Warli paintings (depicting tribal life) with neutral furniture. A hand-carved coffee table with miniature abstract Indian paintings adds a touch of heritage.
- Bedroom: Opt for calming Madhubani art (featuring nature themes) above the bed. Mughal-inspired metal lamps with intricate designs cast a warm, inviting glow paired with such pieces.
- Entryway: Make a grand first impression by hanging a large Tanjore painting (richly coloured deities) to create a captivating focal point. A brass diya (oil lamp) adds a touch of tradition to this piece.
To create a colourful space that celebrates your Indian art, some placement tips must be considered. Think about the mood you want to have in each room. Not only the mood-setting, but even the size also matters. Hence, choose a piece that complements your wall space. Finally, let your art be the star and opt for a neutral colour palette for the rest of the room. This will allow the vibrant colours or intricate details of your Indian artwork to truly shine.
Understanding the Techniques and Materials Used in Indian Art
Different techniques are used for different types of Indian art paintings, such as –
Murals
These are large-scale paintings directly applied to walls or ceilings. Standard techniques include fresco (pigments mixed with water on wet plaster), tempera (pigments mixed with egg yolk), and mineral pigments applied on dry plaster. Ajanta Caves and Kerala murals are famous examples.
Miniatures
Miniatures are highly detailed and small-scale paintings made on paper, cloth, or even ivory. Techniques involve fine brushwork, layering of pigments, and often the use of gold leaf for a luxurious effect. Mughal miniatures are a prime example.
Pattachitra
These are canvas or cloth paintings traditionally used for religious purposes. Techniques involve natural dyes and pigments derived from plants, minerals, and even cow dung. Bold outlines and flat colours often characterise them. Pattachitra paintings from Odisha are well-known.
Folk art
Diverse styles across India employ various folk art techniques. Warli paintings use simple geometric shapes and white on a reddish background. Madhubani paintings feature intricate linework and vibrant colours applied with fingers and twigs.
Just like the techniques, the materials used in Indian artwork are also diverse. In the old days, artists used things they found in nature to make their paintings. They ground up yellow and red rocks (ochres), a blue stone (lapis lazuli), and charcoal for black. They even used other special minerals for even more colours.
The artists painted on different surfaces, too. Sometimes, they used smooth, handmade paper for tiny, detailed pictures or long, rolling paintings. Other times, they used cloth like cotton or silk or even palm leaves, especially for folk art and pictures about religion. The brushes they used depended on what they were painting. For small, super-detailed pictures, they used thin brushes made from animal hair. For bigger paintings or folk art styles, they used thicker brushes or even their fingers.
Some artists even added fancy things to their paintings to make them look extra unique and symbolic. Even today, artists might use thin sheets of gold (gold leaf), seashells, or even precious gems.
Bring the rich Indian heritage to your walls today
TravelArty offers a curated collection of stunning Indian paintings, each a unique piece of cultural expression. Let these vibrant artworks transform your space - explore our collection today.
Panoramic Indian Art Collection | Modern, Village Art Canvas Painting – TravelArty
FAQs
How to care for my Indian artwork?
Indian artwork is super precious and hence needs to be cared for in the right sense. Follow these points to ensure your Indian artwork remains as is for years -
- Light: Avoid direct sunlight, as it can fade colours over time. Opt for natural light or museum-quality lighting if showcasing the artwork prominently.
- Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level. Drastic fluctuations can damage the artwork. Aim for a room temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C) with moderate humidity (around 50%).
- Cleaning: For most Indian artwork, avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods. Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth. If unsure, consult a professional conservator for specific cleaning instructions.
- Handling: Always handle artwork with clean, dry hands. For framed pieces, lift them by the frame, not the artwork itself.
What if I don't have a lot of space for large pieces? Can I still incorporate Indian art?
Absolutely! Indian art offers a diverse range of options for smaller spaces. You can opt for small or miniature paintings, which are exquisite and detailed, often depicting mythological scenes or nature, adding a touch of cultural richness without overwhelming a small area.
What are the different price ranges for Indian artwork?
The price range for Indian artwork varies depending on several factors such as:
- Art Form: Traditional paintings like Tanjore or Mughal miniatures can be quite expensive, while folk art forms might be more affordable.
- Age & Origin: Antique pieces of artwork from renowned artists will naturally command higher prices whereas artwork by newer/upcoming artists will be on the less expensive side.
- Size & Material: Larger pieces and those made with rare or precious materials will cost more whereas smaller pieces will cost less.
- Condition: Artwork in proper condition will fetch a higher price compared to one with signs of wear or damage.
At TravelArty, we believe in inclusivity and hence have artworks ranging from a low to a high price scale. We have something for everybody because everybody deserves a piece of artwork under their possession. Explore our affordable to luxury artwork pieces today.
Can I learn more about the artist or artwork's history?
Absolutely! We understand the value of provenance and the artist's story. For many of our pieces, we provide information about the artist's background, style, and any recognition they received. We also might explain the history and significance of the specific art form the piece represents along with the artwork's origin (age, geographical origin, or any interesting stories) if known.