India is home to many talented painters who have made the country proud with their amazing artwork. Here’s a look at some of the most famous Indian artists and their well-known creations.
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Jamini Roy
- Jamini Roy was a celebrated Indian painter known for blending traditional Indian and Western art styles.
- His work is famous for its intricate and unique designs.
- In 1954, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.
- His artworks are showcased in renowned collections, including:
- The National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi.
- The Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida.
- The Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Three Pujarins
- “Three Pujarins” is a famous painting by Jamini Roy.
- In the 1920s, Jamini Roy abandoned European oil paints and chose to use natural colours from plants and minerals.
- His artwork often portrayed village life, focusing on rural people and their traditions.
- Jamini Roy showed great respect for peasants, artisans, religious followers, women, and Adivasis.
- He used folk tales and rural beliefs as inspiration in his paintings.
- In “Three Pujarins,” the three women are shown praying, and the painting is known for its bold black lines and simple blue drapery.
- The painting is signed with the Bengali name “Jamini Roy” in red paint in the bottom-right corner.
Nandalal Bose
- Nandalal Bose was a renowned Indian painter who was greatly influenced by Abanindranath Tagore‘s art.
- He held his first art exhibition in 1911, after which his work was showcased at national and international exhibitions, including:
- The Netherlands and Imperial Institute of England
- The Crystal Palace in England
- The Societe des Peintres Orientalistes Francais at the Grand Palais in Paris.
- Nandalal Bose’s works were displayed at the Indian National Congress sessions in Lucknow and Haripura.
- In 1976, his art was included in the “Nine Masters” collection by the Archaeological Survey of India, considered a treasure in fine art for its artistic and aesthetic value.
- He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1954 and the Santiniketan award in 1921.
Bapuji
- Nandalal Bose created the famous portrait of Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March.
- He made a black-and-white linocut print of Gandhi walking during the protest, to honor the Dandi March and support the movement.
- The linocut print of Gandhi became a symbol of the anti-violence movement.
- Nandalal Bose gained recognition for his originality and support for individual freedom, earning great respect for his artwork.
- After India’s independence, Nandalal played a significant role in government affairs, including designing the manuscript of the Indian Constitution.
- He was also tasked by Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s Prime Minister, to create the symbols for important government honors, such as the Bharat Ratna and Padma Shri.
S.L. Haldankar
- Sawlaram Lakshman Haldankar was a prominent Indian artist who founded the Haldankar Fine Arts Institute in 1908.
- In 1918, he, along with a few associates, established the Art Society of India and became its first president.
- He was especially known for his remarkable watercolour paintings.
- Haldankar’s artwork was displayed in various cities, including Bombay, Madras, Simla, and at London’s Royal Society of British Artists.
- He was honored by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, after the country gained independence.
- Haldankar is listed as one of the top three watercolourists in the world in an Italian encyclopaedia.
The Glow of Hope
- S.L. Haldankar is famous for his painting “Glow of Hope”, also known as “Woman With the Lamp”.
- The painting, created around 1945–46, is currently exhibited at the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery at Jaganmohan Palace in Mysore.
- The young girl in the painting, Gita Haldankar, is S.L. Haldankar’s daughter.
- Haldankar also created another painting, “The Divine Flame”, featuring his second daughter Lilavati, based on the same concept as “Glow of Hope”.
Abanindranath Tagore
- Abanindranath Tagore is considered one of India’s greatest painters.
- He was the nephew of the famous Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore.
- Abanindranath founded the Indian Society of Oriental Art and played a key role in the Bengal School of Art.
- His main goal in founding the Indian Society of Oriental Art was to reduce the influence of English culture on Indian artists.
- He aimed to modernize Rajput and Mughal paintings, which contributed to the development of modern Indian painting.
- In addition to painting, Abanindranath was also a notable writer, focusing on books for young readers.
- Some of his well-known works in Bengali children’s literature include “BudoAngla,” “Khirer Putul,” and “Rajkahini.”
Bharat Mata
- “Bharat Mata” is a famous painting by Abanindranath Tagore, completed in 1905.
- The painting depicts Bharat Mata (Mother India) with four hands, each holding something symbolic.
- It reflects Indian tradition, a common theme in many of Abanindranath’s works.
- The painting was inspired by the beautiful lyrics describing the motherland in Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1882 novel “Anandamath”.
The Victory of Buddha
- “The Victory of Buddha” painting shows a portrait of Buddha after achieving enlightenment.
- The artwork explores Buddha’s teachings and offers an answer to the ultimate question of human suffering.
The Passing of Shah Jahan
- In the painting “Passing of Shah Jahan”, Shah Jahan is depicted lying on his deathbed.
- He is seen trying to catch one last glimpse of the Taj Mahal, which was intended to be his final resting place.
Journey’s End
- “Journey’s End” was painted in 1913.
- The painting shows a tired-looking camel that appears more relieved than happy after completing its long journey.
Tyeb Mehta
- Tyeb Mehta is a famous Indian painter and a prominent figure of the post-colonial generation.
- He is credited with sparking greater interest in Indian art among both local and international art enthusiasts.
- Tyeb Mehta was a member of the Bombay Progressive Artists’ Group, sharing similar ideas with other notable members.
- He gained fame for his diagonal series, during which he inadvertently developed his signature style.
Mahisasur
- “Mahisasur” is a famous painting by Tyeb Mehta.
- The painting depicts Mahishasura in an embrace with Goddess Durga.
- It gained worldwide recognition as it was the first Indian artwork to sell for more than a million dollars in the international market.
Amrita Sher-Gil
- Amrita Sher-Gil is one of India’s most famous painters, often referred to as the Frida Kahlo of India.
- She is regarded as the founder of contemporary art in India and a pioneering female artist.
- While her early works were inspired by Western style and culture, she gradually embraced Indian subjects painted in a more traditional style.
- Amrita Sher-Gil was influenced by Mughal and Ajanta paintings.
- Many of her works were also inspired by the renowned Rabindranath Tagore and Abanindranath Tagore.
Self Portrait
- “Self-Portrait” is a famous painting by Amrita Sher-Gil, one of India’s greatest painters.
- The painting blends Indian features with contemporary methods influenced by her European upbringing.
- It combines Indian and European styles, merging classic and modern elements of Indian art.
Raja Ravi Varma
- Raja Ravi Varma is considered one of the greatest painters of all time in India.
- His works often depicted scenes from Mahabharata, Ramayana, and ancient mythological tales from the Puranas.
- Ravi Varma was one of the few artists to successfully combine Indian culture with European academic art techniques.
- His paintings highlighted the beauty of South Indian women, which was widely admired.
- His portrayals of Hindu deities inspired many, particularly people from lower classes, to worship these deities.
Shakuntala
- “Shakuntala” is a famous handmade oil painting by Raja Ravi Varma.
- The painting portrays a modern interpretation of Shakuntala’s search for Dushyanta from the Mahabharata.
- In the painting, Shakuntala pretends to remove a thorn from her foot while actually looking out for her lover, Dushyanta.
- Her companions are casually chatting nearby, and in the distance, a hooded figure with a cane is visible.
- Shakuntala is depicted with lyrical beauty and sensuality, which complements the painting’s happy and vibrant tone.
Vasudeo S Gaitonde
- Vasudeo S. Gaitonde was a renowned painter from Maharashtra, India.
- He began his artistic journey in the late 1950s and became known for his non-objective or non-figurative style.
- In recognition of his contributions to art, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1971.
Painting 4
- Painting 4 is an oil painting on canvas created by Vasudeo S. Gaitonde in 1972.
- It is one of his notable works, reflecting his non-objective and abstract style.
Satish Gujral
- Satish Gujral is considered one of the greatest painters of all time in India.
- He also explored architectural aspects in his paintings.
- Gujral was responsible for designing the Belgium Embassy in New Delhi.
- In 1999, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India.
- Some of his famous works include “Days of Glory,” “Tress of Life,” and “Meerabai.”
Days of Glory
- “Days of Glory” is a masterpiece by Satish Gujral, created in 1952.
- It is also recognized as the Partition of India painting, depicting the emotional and traumatic effects of the partition.
Sayed Haider Raza
- Sayed Haider Raza was a famous painter from Madhya Pradesh, India.
- His works range from expressionistic landscapes to abstract portraits.
- Raza received several prestigious awards, including:
- Padma Vibhushan (2013)
- Padma Bhushan (2007)
- Fellow of Lalit Kala Academy (1984)
- Padma Shri (1981)
Composition Geometrique
- “Composition Geometrique” is a famous painting by Sayed Haider Raza, created in 2007.
- The painting reflects his mastery in blending geometric shapes and abstract art, showcasing his distinctive style.
Francis Newton Souza
- Francis Newton Souza was a bohemian and zealous artist known for reflecting not only the beauty of his subjects but also the ugliness of society in his work.
- In 1954, Souza showcased his work at The Institute of Contemporary Arts, but he was not satisfied with the recognition at that time.
- He wrote a notable autobiographical essay titled ‘Nirvana of Maggot’, published in Stephen Spender’s Encounter Magazine, which brought him attention and recognition in London.
- This led to a meeting with Victor Musgrave, the owner of Gallery One, who helped arrange a 1955 exhibition where all of Souza’s paintings were sold out.
Red Houses
- Red Houses with Front Garden, 1957 is a notable painting by Francis Newton Souza, reflecting his unique artistic style.
- The artwork features red houses set against a front garden, capturing Souza’s expressive use of color and abstract elements.
- This piece showcases his ability to combine bold imagery with emotional depth, making it one of his iconic works.
Ram Kumar
- Ram Kumar was a famous painter known for his abstract art.
- He was honored with the prestigious Padmashree and Padma Bhushan awards for his contributions to Indian art.
- Initially working as a banker and writer, Ram Kumar later transitioned into the world of art, becoming one of the leading abstract artists of India.
- His works often reflected mystical contemplation and deep philosophical themes, making him a significant figure in the Indian modern art movement.
Vagabond
- This painting is considered one of the most aesthetic works by Ram Kumar.
- It showcases his signature style, blending abstract forms with mystical contemplation, characteristic of his artistic journey.
- The painting reflects emotional depth and a sense of tranquility, which are often seen in Ram Kumar’s abstract works.
- Through such paintings, Ram Kumar explored themes of human experience and spirituality, making them timeless representations of Indian modern art.
