3 AMAZING INDIAN PAINTERS WHO CHANGED THE FACE OF THE ART WORLD
Since time immemorial, India has been known as the land of art and culture. The country witnessed the birth of various art forms and styles in its history. The presence of numerous styles of art across different mediums have contributed in making the history of India as vibrant as it is. Right from the mesmerising stone art of Ajanta caves to the amazing Madhubani paintings of Bihar, each and every part of India breathes art. The best part about the country is that each area has its own unique theme of art which is very different from the other. The artworks of South India are so different from the ones being created in the northern region. India is a vast country and in the earlier times each and every region had its exclusive art form. The country houses innumerable art forms. Most of them aren’t being followed anymore but some art styles have transformed themselves into the face of the country. The generations have kept them alive and these art forms are the sole of the country.
Apart from the originated art forms, a due credit should be given to the various rulers who reigned the throne. The Mughals bought in the Persian styles of art and this introduction is a significant milestone in the art history of the country. When the foreign art styles were mixed with the exquisite style of Indian paintings, then something exceptional was born. Over the years, Indian painters experimented with the various styles, themes, mediums and forms of art to create their own uniqueness. As a matter of fact, the painters of Indian origin gained a lot of credit and acknowledgement not only within the country but beyond it as well. Slowly and steadily the entire world realised the brilliance of Indian painters and was in awe with their amazing creations. Apart from getting global recognition, the artists were able to sell their masterworks for millions in international auctions.
However, the artistic intellect of Indian painters isn’t just restricted to ancient religious themes as they have spread their wings across different domains and there hardly remains any genre of art which hasn’t witnessed the brilliance of Indian artists. There are numerous painters who have created masterpieces and have left their impression in the hearts of art lovers. But, there are very few who have actually reached the pinnacle of success and are known even in today’s times. This article will give you a bird’s eye view of three of the most established and accomplished Indian painters whose names have turned immortal and they are still recalled for their great imaginative acumen and calibre.
Raja Ravi Varma:
If there is one Indian painter who has changed the face of the world of art, then it has to be Raja Ravi Varma. His creations are considered as a perfect example of Indian sensibility mixed with European art techniques. He is also celebrated for the introduction of affordable lithographs of his paintings to the masses and this ended up widening his reach and making him a renowned name in the world of art. Raja Ravi Varma is known for his depiction of the Hindu gods and goddesses from the various religious epics. These paintings gained him great acceptance and acknowledgement from the public. However, the artist also witnessed lows in his life and various legal proceedings were done against him. Nonetheless, Raja Ravi Varma is an unforgettable name in the diaries of Indian painters and his contributions to the community of Indian art are considered worthwhile as they have contributed significantly in building the existing structure.
Amrita Sher-Gil:
A prominent figure in the world of female Indian painters, Amrita Sher-Gil was one of the greatest women artists of the 20th century and she is also known as the pioneer of modern Indian art. Introduced to the world of art at the tender age of 5, Amrita started getting formal education pertaining to the subject of art since she was eight years old. A major share of her life went into travelling and she witnessed the cultures of various countries such as Turkey and France. This exposure led to great inspirations for the artist as she derived encouragements from the culture and art styles of the countries.
M.F. Husain:
The name itself is enough and the artist needs no further introduction. A renowned name among the modern Indian painters, Husain was a founding member of the Bombay Progressive Artists’ Group. Often called as “the Picasso of India”, cubism was the favourite theme and its influence can be witnessed in his numerous creations. The artist saw various highs and lows throughout the graph of his career. He also fell in the trap of legal complications due to some of his artistic creations which ended up hurting the religious sentiments of people. In addition to this, the talents of Husain weren’t just restricted to painting as he held direction and photography close to his heart. His filmmaking got him multiple laurels.
Aforementioned are three of the most known and celebrated Indian painters that the world has witnessed till now. Unfortunately, none of them are there with us in the present times but their masterworks remain to fascinate the art enthusiasts. Their creations are a source of inspiration for the artists of today. Art lovers who prefer to buy attractive paintings online can find artworks similar to those of these masters as most of their original creations are either national heritage or are owned by private people.