The upcoming year stands to witness numerous online workshops and talks in commemoration of 150 years since the birth of Abanindranath Tagore. These events aim to pay tribute to this influential figure who sparkled as a leading light of the Bengal School of Art. His impact on India’s freedom struggle, art ideology, and the Indian art movement at large are all subjects worthy of exploration.
About Abanindranath Tagore
Hailing from the prestigious family of the Tagores of Jorasanko, Kolkata, Abanindranath Tagore was born in 1871. He was a nephew to none other than the esteemed Rabindranath Tagore. A note-worthy aspect of his life was the fact that despite beginning his artistic journey under the guidance of European artists and learning their academic style, Abanindranath gradually grew disillusioned with European naturalism.
Abanindranath’s Ideology
The latter part of the 19th century marked a shift in his artistic preferences. He began to lean more towards painting images that bore historic or literary references. A significant source of inspiration for him was Mughal miniatures. His exposure to Japanese philosopher Okakura Kakuzo during his visit to Kolkata in 1902 also greatly influenced his art.
Contribution to Indian Freedom Struggle
A surge of nationalism in the last decades of the 19th century ignited a new wave in the art landscape of India. In Bengal, Abanindranath Tagore found himself at the forefront of a group of patriotic artists. His work signified an effort to modernize Mughal and Rajput styles of art so as to challenge the Western models of art prevalent under the colonial regime. This marked him as a major proponent of a unique artistic language tailored towards this end.
His artwork, though primarily based on Indian mythology and cultural heritage, contributed significantly to the modern art movement in India. His distinctive interpretation of swadeshi themes resulted in a revival of Indian Art. His creation, the iconic ‘Bharat Mata’ painting was symbolic of a fresh wave of consciousness. The Rabindra Bharati Society collection that is housed by Victoria Memorial Hall contains the most extensive range of works by the artist.
Bengal School of Painting
Also known as the Renaissance School or the Revivalist School, the Bengal School of Painting signified the first modern movement of Indian art. The school consciously made an attempt to rediscover the glories of Indian art and create what it viewed as authentically Indian art inspired by past creations. Abanindranath Tagore played a pivotal role as its leading artist while E.B. Havell, the principal of the Calcutta School of Art, served as its theoretician.