Come explore the whimsical world of modern Indian Art in From the Everyday to the Imagined: Modern Indian Art at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM)! From 7 November 2007 to 16 January 2008, art aficionados can learn more about India’s evolving social realities, such as its political framework and attitudes towards gender roles – all juxtaposed against the rich tapestry of Indian mythology, tradition and fantasy.

With stunning works by renowned artists such as A. Ramachandran, K.G. Subramanyan, Arpana Caur, Gulammohamed Sheikh, M.F. Husain and S.H. Raza, From the Everyday to the Imagined: Modern Indian Art reveals how India has evolved through the eyes of major stalwarts in modern Indian art.

Inspired by the lives and practices of these outstanding artists, From the Everyday to the Imagined: Modern Indian Art marks the second Indian art exhibition organised by SAM. As reflected in the paintings, much of the personal lives and artistic journeys of these artists straddle both the worlds of reality and imagination. Together, they help define and establish a new “Indian-ness” in the realm of Indian art.

Here’s a short tribute dedicated to the trailblazers of modern Indian art …

Art in Reverse – K.G. Subramanyan

Ageless Combat I (1998), by KG Subramanyan. Reverse painting in gouache and oil on acrylic sheet.

The Reaper (1998), by KG Subramanyan. Reverse painting in gouache and oil on acrylic sheet.

A multi-faceted artist and eminent professor of fine art, K.G. Subramanyan’s work includes a rare series of large reverse paintings. The art of reverse painting can be traced to the glass painting tradition imported by India in the 18th century. In a nutshell, reverse painting requires the artist to apply paint to a piece of glass before turning the glass over and viewing the painted image through the glass.

Lotus Rhapsody – A. Ramachandran

Trilogy of Colour: Dawn (2006), by A. Ramachandran.

Trilogy of Colour: Noon (2006), by A. Ramachandran.

Trilogy of Colour: Dusk (2006), by A. Ramachandran.

An award winning artist and scholar whose large scale paintings are featured for the first time in Singapore, A. Ramachandran’s work is often figurative and influenced by mythological traditions and Indian iconography. One of his key obsessions has been the study of lotus ponds in Udaipur, as seen in this series of large scale triptychs titled Trilogy of Colour: Dawn, Noon, Dusk. Washed in soothing hues of greens, purples and blues, they are my personal favourites.

Art with a Purpose – Arpana Caur

Soldier’s Mother (1995), by Arpana Caur.

A self-taught artist, Arpana Caur’s art has always conveyed her concern for the condition of women and growing violence in India. Titled Soldier’s Mother, the painting above depicts a woman in great sorrow and pain. Upon closer inspection, I discovered various images of armed soldiers embedded within. A mother’s grief at her son’s departure for the war? Perhaps.

Unidentified Blue Source (1994), by Arpana Caur. Collection of Singapore Art Museum.

The Embroiderer II (2005), by Arpana Caur. Collection of Singapore Art Museum.

Tree of Desire (1996), by Arpana Caur. Collection of Singapore Art Museum.

Titled Unidentified Blue Source, The Embroiderer II and Tree of Desire, these three artworks by Arpana Caur from SAM’s permanent collection are being shown for the very first time!

From the Everyday to the Imagined: Modern Indian Art is part of Explore Singapore! which happens from 10 November 2007 to 31 December 2007. For more information on Explore Singapore!, visit www.museums.com.sg/explore or call 62214463.

Tags: Explore Singapore!, Singapore Art Museum, From the Everyday to the Imagined: Modern Indian Art, Modern Indian Art