Modern Indian Sculpture – UPSC Notes – Art and Culture

The tradition of Indian sculpture is both rich and diverse, extending across centuries. When examining contemporary or modern Indian sculpture, one can observe a blending of traditional techniques with contemporary themes and materials. Discover more about Modern Indian Sculpture in the following discussion.

The trajectory and characteristics of modern Indian sculpture share similarities with contemporary painting. Originating in an academic style influenced by mid-Victorian notions of naturalism and complacency, it initially bore the imprint of British legacy.

Nevertheless, this contemporary sculptural style underwent a significant transformation, progressing from academism to a distinct form of non-objectivism.

Evolution of Modern Indian Sculpture

The unfolding narrative of modern Indian sculpture traces a captivating trajectory, mirroring the socio-political and cultural shifts in India from the late 19th century to the contemporary era.

In the colonial epoch, Indian artists were markedly impacted by Western academic art. Sculpture during this period was characterized by the dominance of academic realism and classical forms.

Bengal School of Art (Early 20th Century):

• Led by visionaries like Abanindranath Tagore and E.B. Havell, the Bengal School aimed to rejuvenate traditional Indian art forms.
• Primarily centered on painting, the movement spurred sculptors to explore indigenous themes and materials.
• Nandalal Bose, a distinguished pupil of Abanindranath Tagore, significantly influenced multiple generations of artists.
• Kshitindranath Majumdar, another notable disciple, also emerged from this influential school.

Santiniketan and Rabindranath Tagore (Early to Mid-20th Century):

• Rabindranath Tagore established Santiniketan, fostering an environment where artists like Ramkinkar Baij experimented with form and expression.
• Baij’s notable works, such as the iconic “Santhal Family,” marked a departure from classical norms.

Post-Independence Era (1947 Onwards):

• The post-independence period witnessed a surge in public art projects, with sculptors utilizing their craft to represent national identity.
• Notable contributions came from artists like Devi Prasad Roy Choudhury.

Progressive Artists’ Group (1947 Onwards):

• The Progressive Artists’ Group, featuring luminaries like F.N. Souza and S.H. Raza, played a pivotal role in shaping modern Indian art, including sculpture.

Abstract and Contemporary Trends (1960s Onwards):

• Artists like Satish Gujral and Balbir Singh Katt delved into abstract and contemporary forms.
• Experimentation with materials expanded, encompassing the use of metals, wood, and unconventional substances.

Sculpture Parks and Public Art Initiatives (Late 20th Century Onwards):

• The establishment of sculpture parks and the integration of public art in urban spaces gained prominence.
• Renowned sculptors like Himmat Shah and Subodh Gupta earned recognition for their contemporary works.

Contemporary Practices (21st Century):

• Contemporary Indian sculptors, including Anish Kapoor and Ravinder Reddy, have achieved international acclaim.
• Their themes often revolve around globalization, identity, and the intersection of tradition and modernity.

Evolution of Modern Indian Sculpture

During the mid-20th century, the influence of modernist ideals began molding Indian sculpture. Visionaries such as Ramkinkar Baij and Sankho Chaudhuri embraced abstract and modern forms, marking a significant departure from conventional styles.

Material Innovation:

• Modern Indian sculptors exhibit a penchant for diverse materials beyond traditional stone and metal.
• Fiberglass, plastic, and mixed media have become increasingly prevalent in their creations.

Spatial Interaction and Installations:

• Departing from traditional standalone sculptures, some contemporary Indian sculptors engage in creating installations that dynamically interact with the surrounding space.
• This trend aligns with the global shift in contemporary art towards immersive experiences.

Abstract and Figurative Explorations:

• Artists like Satish Gujral exemplify the exploration of both abstract and figurative elements in their sculptures, seamlessly blending modern aesthetics with deep roots in Indian culture.

Themes and Social Commentary:

• Many modern Indian sculptors delve into themes linked to identity, globalization, and social issues.
• Bharti Kher, for instance, integrates traditional Indian symbols into her work, offering a nuanced perspective on contemporary concerns.

Ram V. Sutar:

• Designed the colossal “Statue of Unity,” dedicated to Indian political leader Vallabhbhai Patel.
• Inaugurated in 2018, this monumental statue stands as a tribute to Patel’s legacy.

Nandagopal Menon:

• Renowned for his modernist approach in sculpture.
• Menon’s works often portray human forms through dynamic and abstract compositions.

Arzan Khambatta:

• Recognized for crafting contemporary metal sculptures with a futuristic and industrial aesthetic.
• His creations carry a distinctive visual language that merges modernity with a forward-looking design.

Sankho Choudhuri:

• Emphasizes the physical attributes of the female form in a vivid manner in his sculptures.
• His work captures the essence of a woman engaged in preening herself, showcasing a nuanced understanding of anatomy and movement.

Davierwalla:

• Presents an elongated sculpture of ‘A Man,’ pushing the concept of figure in sculpture to a new level.
• Strives to reduce the essentials to a minimum, emphasizing the character of the metal in the process.
• This approach reflects an innovative exploration of form and material in sculptural art.

Famous Modern Sculptures

Triumph of Labour:

• Large-scale bronze sculpture by Debi Prasad Roy Chowdhury (1899–1975).
• Installed at Marina Beach, Chennai, in 1959.
• Depicts four men struggling to move a rock, symbolizing the importance of human labor in nation-building.
• Represents the resilience and power of unconquerable individuals facing the forces of nature.

Santhal Family:

• Large-scale sculpture created by Ramkinker Baij in 1937.
• Crafted from metal armature and cement mixed with pebbles.
• Located in the compound of Kala Bhavana, Shantiniketan, India’s first national art school.
• Depicts a Santhal man carrying his children in a double basket, with his wife and dog walking alongside.
• Reflects the everyday scene of a family migrating, elevating it to monumental status.

Cries Unheard:

• Bronze sculpture by Amarnath Sahgal in 1958.
• Abstract representation of a family in flat, rhythmical planes.
• Depicts the family flinging their arms above, crying out for help in vain.
• Captures a sense of permanent helplessness through the medium of sculpture.

Ganesha:

• Oxidized copper sculpture by P. V. Janakiram in 1970.
• Part of the collection at NGMA, Delhi.
• Utilizes sheets of copper to create free-standing pictorial sculptures adorned with linear elements.
• Influenced by the ancient temple sculpture of South India.
• Invites intimate contemplation through intricate facial features and decorative motifs.

Vanshri (Goddess of Woods):

• Created by Mrinalini Mukherjee in 1994.
• Unusual use of hemp fiber, a medium experimented with since the early 1970s.
• Intricately knotted and woven, showcasing Mukherjee’s mastery of the material.
• Challenges the dismissal of similar works as mere craft, pushing boundaries in sculpture.

Related Posts:

Chapter 1	Indus Civilization Sculpture
Chapter 2	Buddhist Sculpture
Chapter 3	Gupta Sculpture

Sculpture in India – UPSC

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FAQs on Modern Indian Sculpture

1. What is modern Indian sculpture?
   • Answer: Modern Indian sculpture shares basic characteristics and challenges with contemporary painting. It often distances itself from the traditional Indian artistic heritage, leaning more towards modern, eclectic, and international concepts.
2. Which is a famous Indian sculpture?
   • Answer: The “Dancing Girl” is a renowned work of art, representing a cultural artifact from the Indus Valley Civilization. This statue, considered one of the oldest and magnificent artworks, holds significant importance in deciphering the origins of the First Civilization in the Indian Subcontinent.
3. Who is the father of modern Indian sculpture?
   • Answer: Ramkinkar Baij, an Indian sculptor and painter (25 May 1906 – 2 August 1980), is recognized as one of the pioneers of modern Indian sculpture and a key figure of Contextual Modernism.
4. What is the concept of modern sculpture?
   • Answer: Modern sculpture, like all modern art, emerged as part of Western society’s response to the urban, industrial, and secular changes during the nineteenth century. Artists like Auguste Rodin played a crucial role in shaping modern sculpture with works like “The Burghers of Calais.”
5. Who was the founder of modern sculpture?
   • Answer: François Auguste René Rodin (12 November 1840 – 17 November 1917) is generally considered the founder of modern sculpture. He approached his work with a craftsman-like attitude and is renowned for iconic pieces like “The Thinker.”
6. What is modern Indian art?
   • Answer: Modern Indian art, particularly in painting, reflects the influence of Western styles while drawing inspiration from Indian themes and imagery. Major artists are gaining international recognition, initially within the Indian diaspora and increasingly among non-Indian audiences.