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Miniature Painting
Context
Miniature painting, a traditional art form in India, is experiencing a contemporary revival. The book "Alchemy: Contemporary Indian Painting and Miniature Traditions" by art historian Geeti Sen highlights how modern artists have reinterpreted this ancient style to address current issues. The book focuses on five key artists—Abanindranath Tagore, Manjit Bawa, Nilima Sheikh, R Vijay, and Waswo X Waswo—who have infused miniature painting with modern themes such as nationalism, identity, violence, and feminism. These artists are challenging traditional boundaries, making the genre relevant for today’s social and political context.
Important Examples in the Book
- Abanindranath Tagore revived traditional miniatures with nationalist themes.
- Example: Abhisarika (1912), a simplified, emotional portrayal of a heroine.
- Manjit Bawa simplified Hindu deities.
- Example: Durga on a Panther, reimagining the goddess in a minimalist form.
- Nilima Sheikh ued miniatures to explore displacement and violence.
- Example: Champa Series, depicting the tragic story of a Kashmiri woman murdered for dowry.
- R Vijay & Waswo X Waswo collaborated to explore power dynamics between Western and Indian cultures.
- Example: Miniatures depicting the tension between a photographer and an Indian subject.
Evolution of Miniature Painting in India
- Miniature painting originated in India during the Mughal era (16th-17th century), and it continued to develop in different regional schools across India such as Rajput, Pahari, Deccan, and Mewar
- These artworks were traditionally small in scale (hence "miniature") and were often used to illustrate religious texts, royal court life, and historical events.
- Over the years, miniature painting evolved with the rise of the Bengal Renaissance in the 19th century, when artists began to blend indigenous techniques with influences from European art. Abanindranath Tagore, a key figure of this period, played a crucial role in reviving the miniature style and using it to convey nationalist ideals and "Indianness" through art.
- In the 20th century, the form began to be used more by modern artists, as it was adapted to explore more personal, everyday themes rather than just religious or mythological subjects. Contemporary artists have incorporated modern themes such as displacement, identity, violence, and feminism, making it relevant to today’s world.
Famous miniature Paintings in India:
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School of Painting |
Description |
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Rajput School
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Mughal School
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Deccan School
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Bengal School
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Malwa School
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