Non-Western Blog

For the Non-Western assignment I chose to focus on India and the art that was produced during the Colonial Era which lasted from 1858 to 1947. The three artists I have chosen are Raja Ravi Varma (1848 – 1906), Abanindranath Tagore (1871 – 1951), and Nandalal Bose (1882 – 1966). 

India's Colonial Era of art was shaped by the country's subjugation to British colonial rule from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century. During this time, Indian art underwent significant changes, as it was heavily influenced by European art styles and techniques. Indian artists who trained under British artists adopted Western styles such as realism, while others sought to develop a modern Indian art that drew inspiration from traditional Indian aesthetics. Additionally, the Colonial Era saw the emergence of new art institutions, such as the Bombay Art Society and the Madras School of Arts, which helped to promote and showcase Indian art both within India and abroad. The Colonial Era of Indian art thus represents a complex and dynamic period in the country's artistic history

Raja Ravi Varma, Portrait of A Lady, 1893, National Gallery of Modern Art, Bengaluru, India. Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation.

Raja Ravi Varma's Portrait of A Lady depicts a woman dressed in traditional Indian clothing, with intricate details on her jewelry, clothing, and background. The artist's use of color, light, and shadow creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, while the woman's pose and expression convey a sense of quiet elegance and grace. The painting showcases Varma's mastery of both traditional Indian and European painting techniques. This piece is beautiful, not only because the color palette and the finesse, but because it invites the viewer to observe all the details and explore ideas as to how the Lady felt, or where she came from or who she was.

Asoka's Queen, 1910

Abanindranath Tagore's Asoka's Queen depicts a woman in traditional Indian dress against a backdrop of stylized vegetation. Asoka is a well known figure from Indian history, he was an emperor during the Maurya Empire and is figure whose story is still artistically referenced today. Tagore’s painting interprets his queen and showcases the use of vivid colors, intricate patterns, and flattened forms, which draw upon traditional Indian art forms such as miniature painting. The woman's pose and expression convey a sense of quiet dignity and inner strength which made me so drawn to this piece. I also believe that the painting's overall composition creates a sense of balance and harmony. Even though the painting is rather flat it still so beautiful and the detail is done so stunningly.

 

Ardanarishvara, 1942

Nandalal Bose's Ardhanarishvara is a striking depiction of the Hindu deity Shiva in a form that embodies both masculine and feminine qualities which really caught my eye right away. The painting's use of bold lines and contrasting colors creates a sense of vigor and balance, while the figure's expression conveys a sense of divine power and tranquility. The artwork's unique subject matter and style reflect Bose's interest in blending traditional Indian art with modernist aesthetics. This piece is one that I would really enjoy owning because I think it invites the viewer to explore all the details and at the same time the Shiva is reminiscent of equilibrium and I think that can be calming.  

References

https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/raja-ravi-varma/

https://totallyhistory.com/abanindranath-tagore-paintings/

https://www.culturalindia.net/indian-art/painters/abanindranath-tagore.html

https://www.arthistoryproject.com/artists/nandalal-bose/