Abstract and semi-abstract Indian Art

The word ‘Abstract’ means some thing that is not definable. In the context of conceptualization it can mean the identification of attributes and characters of any natural state; characteristics which in isolation mean nothing. In the field of Art this very idea of abstraction has created various schools of thought.

While to some, the simplification of shapes and forms is all that matters in Abstract Art. Seen from this point of view, Cubist Art is often considered the beginning of Abstract Art in Europe. However seen from this point of view, Abstract art was existent in India since the time of Harappa and Mohenjodaro. The frescoes of Ajanta or the bulls and elephants of Mahabalipuram show high degrees of simplification. in the tribal art of the Santhals and the Gonds we still see such abstractions.

Simplified form of a woman(2000BC, Mohenjadaro)

           There is however another school of thought to whom, abstraction involves forms and shapes which are not definable. Any reference to recognizable shape is opposed to this kind of abstraction. Such abstraction can be seen in the meaningless but decorative folk art of the Banni and the Warli tribes as also in the art works of Abstract expressionists of the 20th century Europe and America. The Tantrik designs and patterns, which seem to have influenced a wide number of artists in India like SH Raza also belong this class of abstraction.

A shapeless Folk  Design (Batik Print)

In 21^st century India, abstract art is thus the widest category of Art which may include semi-figurative works of Sunil Das, Shyamal Duttaroy and Vivan Sundaram, collages of Shakila, abstract color treatment of Devajyoti Ray, Arpana Caur, Vaikunthan and Jogen Choudhuri and the design-art of SH Raza and KG Subbramaniyan.

Abstract colours in realistic shape (Devajyoti Ray)

Shapeless Abstract     (Chittrobhanu Majumdar)