7.1 Progressive Artists' Group

The Progressive Artists' Group emerged in post-independence India, challenging traditional art norms. Founded in 1947 by six young artists, the group embraced modernist influences from Europe while forging a new identity for Indian art.

This collective sought to break free from established conventions, emphasizing individual expression and experimentation. Their work marked a significant shift in Indian art, blending Western techniques with Indian themes and establishing a new era of artistic innovation.

Origins of Progressive Artists' Group

• The Progressive Artists' Group was a groundbreaking collective of Indian artists that formed in the years following India's independence in 1947
• The group sought to break free from the constraints of traditional Indian art and embrace a more modern, international style influenced by European modernism
• The founding of the Progressive Artists' Group marked a significant shift in the trajectory of Indian art in the mid-20th century

Formation in 1947

Top images from around the web for Formation in 1947

• 

  Constitution of India - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Nehru and Mountbatten Declare Indian Independence in Const… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Kashmir Canvas of Bombay Progressives |Search Kashmir View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Constitution of India - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Nehru and Mountbatten Declare Indian Independence in Const… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Formation in 1947

• 

  Constitution of India - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Nehru and Mountbatten Declare Indian Independence in Const… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Kashmir Canvas of Bombay Progressives |Search Kashmir View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Constitution of India - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Nehru and Mountbatten Declare Indian Independence in Const… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• The Progressive Artists' Group was founded in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1947, the same year India gained independence from British colonial rule
• The group's formation reflected the optimistic and forward-thinking spirit of the time, as artists sought to forge a new identity for Indian art in the post-colonial era
• The founding members were young, ambitious artists who shared a desire to break away from the established norms of the Indian art world and create a new, more progressive style

Founding members

• The Progressive Artists' Group was founded by six young artists: F.N. Souza, M.F. Husain, S.H. Raza, K.H. Ara, H.A. Gade, and S.K. Bakre
• These artists came from diverse backgrounds and regions of India but were united in their desire to create a new, more modern art that reflected the changing times
• Each of the founding members brought their own unique perspectives and styles to the group, contributing to its diverse and dynamic character

Influences from European modernism

• The Progressive Artists' Group was heavily influenced by the ideas and techniques of European modernism, particularly movements like Cubism, Surrealism, and Expressionism
• Many of the group's members had studied or traveled in Europe and were exposed to the latest developments in Western art
• The group sought to adapt these modernist influences to the Indian context, creating a new, hybrid style that blended elements of Indian and Western art

Key characteristics and goals

• The Progressive Artists' Group represented a radical departure from the prevailing traditions of Indian art in the mid-20th century
• The group's members sought to create a new, more individualistic and experimental art that reflected the modern, post-colonial era
• The Progressive Artists' Group played a crucial role in the development of modern art in India and helped to establish the country as a major center of artistic innovation and creativity

Break from traditional Indian art

• The Progressive Artists' Group rejected the conventions and limitations of traditional Indian art, which they saw as overly rigid and restrictive
• The group's members sought to break free from the established norms of Indian art, such as the emphasis on religious and mythological themes, and create a more secular, individualistic art
• This break from tradition was seen as a necessary step in the development of a new, more modern Indian art that could speak to the experiences and aspirations of the post-colonial era

Emphasis on individual expression

• The Progressive Artists' Group placed a strong emphasis on individual expression and creativity, encouraging its members to develop their own unique styles and voices
• The group rejected the idea of a single, dominant style or aesthetic and instead celebrated the diversity and individuality of its members
• This focus on individual expression was a key factor in the group's ability to produce such a wide range of innovative and experimental art

Exploration of new techniques and styles

• The Progressive Artists' Group was known for its willingness to experiment with new techniques, materials, and styles, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in Indian art
• The group's members explored a wide range of modernist influences, from Cubism and Surrealism to Expressionism and Abstract Expressionism
• This openness to experimentation and innovation helped to establish the Progressive Artists' Group as one of the most dynamic and influential forces in Indian art in the mid-20th century

Notable members and their contributions

• The Progressive Artists' Group was made up of some of the most talented and influential artists of the post-independence era in India
• Each of the group's members made significant contributions to the development of modern Indian art, helping to establish the country as a major center of artistic innovation and creativity
• The diverse range of styles and approaches represented by the group's members reflects the richness and complexity of Indian art in the mid-20th century

F.N. Souza

• F.N. Souza was one of the founding members of the Progressive Artists' Group and is considered one of the most important figures in the history of modern Indian art
• Souza's work was characterized by a bold, expressive style that often featured distorted figures and a dark, brooding atmosphere
• He was known for his powerful, emotionally charged paintings that explored themes of religion, sexuality, and the human condition

M.F. Husain

• M.F. Husain was another founding member of the Progressive Artists' Group and went on to become one of the most famous and influential artists in India
• Husain's work was characterized by a vibrant, colorful style that often featured bold, sweeping brushstrokes and dynamic compositions
• He was known for his paintings of horses, which became a signature motif in his work, as well as his depictions of Indian mythology and culture

S.H. Raza

• S.H. Raza was a founding member of the Progressive Artists' Group and is known for his abstract paintings that often featured geometric shapes and vibrant colors
• Raza's work was heavily influenced by his study of French art and philosophy, and he is credited with helping to introduce abstract art to India
• He was also known for his landscapes and his use of the bindu (dot) as a central motif in his paintings

K.H. Ara

• K.H. Ara was a founding member of the Progressive Artists' Group and is known for his paintings of rural life and landscapes
• Ara's work often featured a muted, earthy color palette and a sense of quiet, contemplative beauty
• He was also known for his portraits, which captured the inner lives and emotions of his subjects with great sensitivity and skill

H.A. Gade

• H.A. Gade was a founding member of the Progressive Artists' Group and is known for his paintings of urban life and cityscapes
• Gade's work often featured a gritty, realistic style that captured the energy and chaos of modern city life
• He was also known for his use of bold, expressive brushstrokes and his ability to convey a sense of movement and dynamism in his paintings

S.K. Bakre

• S.K. Bakre was a founding member of the Progressive Artists' Group and is known for his sculptures and paintings that often featured abstract, geometric forms
• Bakre's work was heavily influenced by his study of European modernism, particularly the work of artists like Constantin Brâncuși and Henry Moore
• He was also known for his public sculptures, which can be found in cities throughout India and helped to establish him as one of the country's leading sculptors

Major exhibitions and impact

• The Progressive Artists' Group held several major exhibitions throughout its existence, which helped to establish the group as a major force in Indian art and bring its work to a wider audience
• These exhibitions played a crucial role in the development of modern art in India and helped to inspire a new generation of artists and art lovers
• The impact of the Progressive Artists' Group can still be felt today, as the group's legacy continues to shape the course of Indian art in the 21st century

1949 Bombay exhibition

• In 1949, the Progressive Artists' Group held its first major exhibition at the Bombay Art Society, which was a groundbreaking event in the history of Indian art
• The exhibition featured works by all six founding members of the group and was met with both enthusiasm and controversy, as many critics and art lovers were shocked by the bold, experimental nature of the work on display
• The 1949 exhibition helped to establish the Progressive Artists' Group as a major force in Indian art and set the stage for the group's future success and influence

Influence on Indian modern art

• The Progressive Artists' Group had a profound influence on the development of modern art in India, helping to establish the country as a major center of artistic innovation and creativity
• The group's emphasis on individual expression, experimentation, and breaking from tradition inspired a new generation of Indian artists and helped to shape the course of Indian art in the second half of the 20th century
• Many of the group's members went on to have successful careers as individual artists, and their work continues to be celebrated and studied by art lovers and scholars around the world

International recognition

• The Progressive Artists' Group also helped to bring Indian art to a wider international audience, as the group's exhibitions and individual members' work began to be shown in galleries and museums around the world
• The group's success helped to establish India as a major player on the global art scene and paved the way for future generations of Indian artists to gain international recognition and acclaim
• Today, the Progressive Artists' Group is recognized as one of the most important and influential movements in the history of modern Indian art, and its legacy continues to inspire and inform artists and art lovers around the world

Dissolution and legacy

• Despite its success and influence, the Progressive Artists' Group was relatively short-lived, and the group officially disbanded in 1956
• However, the group's impact on Indian art was profound and long-lasting, and its legacy continues to be felt to this day
• The Progressive Artists' Group helped to establish modern art as a major force in India and inspired countless artists and art lovers around the world

Group's disbandment in 1956

• In 1956, just nine years after its formation, the Progressive Artists' Group officially disbanded
• The reasons for the group's disbandment are not entirely clear, but it is thought that personal and creative differences among the members may have played a role
• Despite the group's relatively short lifespan, its impact on Indian art was significant and long-lasting

Members' continued individual success

• Even after the Progressive Artists' Group disbanded, its individual members continued to have successful and influential careers as artists
• Many of the group's members, such as F.N. Souza, M.F. Husain, and S.H. Raza, went on to become some of the most celebrated and respected artists in India and around the world
• The continued success of the group's individual members helped to cement the Progressive Artists' Group's place in the history of Indian art and ensure that its legacy would endure for generations to come

Lasting impact on Indian art scene

• The Progressive Artists' Group had a profound and lasting impact on the Indian art scene, helping to establish modern art as a major force in the country and inspiring countless artists and art lovers
• The group's emphasis on individual expression, experimentation, and breaking from tradition helped to shape the course of Indian art in the second half of the 20th century and beyond
• Today, the Progressive Artists' Group is recognized as one of the most important and influential movements in the history of modern Indian art, and its legacy continues to be celebrated and studied by artists, scholars, and art lovers around the world