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Perception is vulnerable to dissent and conflict. I may have an opinion upon a subject which is altogether different from yours. Either of us may be right or wrong. I am not exaggerating when I say that citizens of our land have not earned a name-‘argumentative’ for themselves for nothing. This is evident from various instances we come across in the history of art and culture.

Howsoever sharp the criticism may be, dissent has always found a way to express itself. The downtrodden and suppressed have raised their disapproval for inhuman acts perpetrated against them for making their lives miserable. The manner of voicing their opinions may differ owing to different socio-political conditions and time.

Either they have sung ballads, organized demonstrations, written slogans or painted which ensured that they are acknowledged and their presence felt. Indian folk and tribal art is replete with examples proving this. 

And I bet that you won’t find a tradition accommodating dissatisfaction as beautifully as we do.

Eminent jurist, Henry Maine propounded a theory which outlined that “law and society developed from status to contract." It means that an individual was earlier defined by the status i.e. the family in which he has taken birth. Now, the identity of a person is defined by the profession he chooses. For that, he has to make individual contracts with people of the society.

This wave of individualism, where man became conscious of the worth of human life, changed how civilizations and kingdoms taught man to think. Enlightenment descended upon him and thus, a new era dawned.

This metamorphosis was manifestly captured by the Art and Literature, as they are mirrors of society.

Indian art - phoenix rising from its ashes

The prominent presence of exotic art and paintings in the heritage which we have inherited from our forefathers gives way to a proposition that Indian Culture was never so conservative. It has always embraced the natural identity of human body and soul.

Victim of hypocritical views

While Europeans glorified Western artists and sculptors who were quite liberal, biased orientalists advertised ours as rustic, rough and without etiquette. Khajuraho’s ecstatic sculptors were being disgraced and Michelangelo’s David praised. Our expression of self was ascribed as nudity and theirs as divine beauty.

This hypocritical treatment halted the development of Indian art. It shrunk Indian art styles to mere decorative and ritualistic totems. But, it secretively thrived despite the backlash of intruders and outsiders.

Now, the world is changing and with globalization, its effect is readily felt here also. Urban intelligentsia now doesn’t frown but accept sexuality. There are many Indian contemporary art artists and painters who do not shy away from the subject but portray it with subtleness and grace. Indian Art Ideas provides a platform for such artists and has a unique collection of art for sale online.

Lalit Jain--The Brave Heart of Indian Art

Our purpose and object are to deliver art to the masses. Nothing is more thought-provoking and stirring than a striking visual of reality. Lalit Jain is one of those artists whose works are acute and create ripples in the minds of people. His themes are largely realistic and rather risky. Let us take an overview of his sheer determination to depict his thoughts without fearing any judgment.

1. And

A figurative painting holds a charm and is seldom understood in true sense. Rather than depicting a single idea or theme, a single piece of figurative art can take you on a roller coaster ride of various scenarios through different dimensions. This is the exquisite and peculiar feature of abstract art.

This painting is a satire on the current system of world governance. The extreme left corner of the painting shows a group of buildings burning and flames of devouring fire seem to be reaching out to the sky. In the middle a figurine of a man is being stabbed with a knife. One man is bellowing looking upwards. There is total chaos and anarchy.It shows the ugly face of extremism i.e. anarchy. A tiger in the far right has a skeleton face. This painting depicts how every civilization destroys itself eventually.

2. Mother and Child

Motherhood is considered as the purest relation of all the earthly bonds. Unconditional and unprecedented love can only be given by a mother. All diamonds, gold and silver of the world are a speck of dust in front of her affection. She can move heaven and hell for her child and can even challenge authority if it comes between her and him. A mother’s intent gaze on her child is depicted with utmost care and finesse.

The child however, is looking at her bosom to feed probably. He finds a sense of belongingness from smell of the sweat of her mother.

3. Hukka

When I look at this picture, I am taken back in time. It feels like I am time-travelling with the Ant-Man suit. A lady is seen in the background carrying a basket on her head, maybe she is a farmer. Two men are sitting on what looks like a chaupal, smoking a hukkah.

A stray dog is sitting beside them. There are earthen pots and a cart with its bull, perhaps, looking at his master, the bearded man. As a victim of severe escapism, I secretly wish to go in the past and live a farmer’s life when time passed slowly and people were content. The luxuries were less but, I think, this was the beauty of those times. What would not I give away to have that pacification! It is just wishful thinking though.

These splendid creations are available at Indian Art Ideas with other art for sale online. These original and exclusive pieces can be taken to decorate your home at jaw-dropping low prices. We appreciate these icons for their outstanding work and for making this world a better and an interesting place to live. Long live artistic freedom!