Why Figurative Art Continues to Dominate Indian Contemporary Art

Indian contemporary art is a melting pot of traditions, narratives, and modern influences. Despite the rise of abstract, digital, and conceptual art, figurative art continues to hold its ground. Indian artists have long used human figures, mythology, and social themes to tell stories, express emotions, and reflect the cultural landscape.

But why does figurative art remain dominant in Indian contemporary art, even as the global art scene shifts towards abstraction and conceptual forms? In this in-depth analysis, we will explore the historical roots, cultural influences, market demand, and the future of figurative art in India.

1. Understanding Figurative Art

a) What is Figurative Art?

Figurative art represents recognizable subjects, primarily the human form, animals, and objects, rather than abstract shapes or purely conceptual ideas. It is deeply expressive and allows artists to communicate emotions, identity, and personal experiences through realism, distortion, or symbolism.

b) The Global vs. Indian Perspective

While Western contemporary art has moved towards minimalism, abstraction, and digital expression, Indian artists continue to draw inspiration from traditional storytelling and cultural identity, making figurative art their preferred medium.

2. The Cultural and Historical Roots of Figurative Art in India

a) Ancient Traditions That Influence Contemporary Art

India has a rich visual history that dates back to cave paintings, temple murals, and miniature paintings. These historical influences shape how modern artists view and portray the human figure.

• Ajanta and Ellora Caves (2nd Century BCE – 6th Century CE): Earliest examples of figurative storytelling through murals.

• Mughal and Rajput Miniatures: Narrative paintings depicting royalty, mythology, and daily life.

• Tanjore and Pattachitra Art: Folk traditions that emphasize figures in spiritual storytelling.

b) The Evolution of Figurative Art in the Modern Era

• Raja Ravi Varma (19th Century): Introduced Western realism in Indian mythology, making gods and goddesses more relatable.

• Bengal School (Early 20th Century): Artists like Abanindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose focused on spiritual and nationalist themes using figurative forms.

• Progressive Artists' Group (Post-Independence): Artists like M.F. Husain, F.N. Souza, and Tyeb Mehta redefined Indian modernism with bold figurative expressions.

c) Why These Traditions Still Matter

Unlike the West, where modernism often meant rejecting traditional styles, in India, modernism has been about reinventing tradition rather than abandoning it. This is why figurative art remains deeply embedded in Indian artistic consciousness.

3. The Emotional and Narrative Power of Figurative Art

a) Storytelling Through the Human Form

Figurative art allows artists to tell complex stories with strong emotional depth. Whether it’s a social issue, a mythological tale, or a personal journey, the human figure acts as the most relatable medium.

b) Personal Expression and Identity

• Contemporary artists like Arpita Singh, Atul Dodiya, and Jogen Chowdhury use figurative elements to explore themes of femininity, political tension, and personal identity.

• The human figure becomes a canvas for discussing gender, caste, migration, and nostalgia.

c) Symbolism and Metaphor in Figurative Art

Artists use symbolic distortion of figures to express themes:

• Elongated or fragmented forms (Tyeb Mehta) – Representing pain and struggle.

• Distorted faces and bodies (Francis Newton Souza) – Reflecting inner turmoil and societal oppression.

• Bold lines and exaggerated features (Jogen Chowdhury) – Symbolizing power, vulnerability, and contradiction.

Figurative art is not just about replicating reality; it is about enhancing emotion, cultural context, and visual metaphor.

4. The Commercial Appeal of Figurative Art

a) Collectors and Market Demand

• Figurative paintings sell more consistently than abstract works in India.

• Collectors feel a strong emotional connection to artwork depicting the human experience.

• Religious, historical, and social themes in figurative works resonate with Indian buyers, making them more marketable.

b) Auction Records and International Recognition

• Tyeb Mehta’s “Mahishasura” (1996) – Sold for $1.58 million, setting an auction record.

• Amrita Sher-Gil’s works – Continue to be among the most expensive Indian paintings sold globally.

• M.F. Husain’s figurative works – Still highly sought after despite controversy.

c) Preference for Recognizable Forms

Buyers and art lovers often find abstract art harder to connect with, while figurative art offers immediate engagement and familiarity.

5. Figurative Art in Contemporary Indian Society

a) Addressing Social and Political Themes

• Artists like Subodh Gupta and Anju Dodiya use figurative imagery to highlight class struggles, migration, and urbanization.

• Paintings reflect issues like feminism, caste discrimination, and economic disparity, making art a powerful medium for activism.

b) The Role of Digital and New Media

• Mixed media and digital art have expanded how figurative art is created.

• Photography-based figurative works blend reality with artistic manipulation.

• Virtual reality (VR) and AI-driven art incorporate figurative elements in new ways.

Despite these technological advancements, the human figure remains central to storytelling in Indian contemporary art.

6. The Future of Figurative Art in India

a) Is Figurative Art Here to Stay?

With India’s deep cultural ties to narrative-driven art, figurative art is unlikely to disappear. Instead, it will continue to evolve with new styles, themes, and technology.

b) Emerging Trends in Figurative Art

• Cross-cultural influences – More artists blending Indian themes with Western techniques.

• Experimentation with materials – Figurative sculptures using industrial and recycled materials.

• Increased digital presence – NFT and digital figurative art growing in popularity.

c) New-Gen Artists Keeping Figurative Art Alive

Artists like Jitish Kallat, N.S. Harsha, and Baiju Parthan are reinventing figurative art by combining history, politics, and contemporary themes in groundbreaking ways.

Conclusion

Figurative art remains the heartbeat of Indian contemporary art because of its cultural roots, emotional depth, and strong connection to storytelling. While abstract and conceptual art have their place, the human figure continues to be the most powerful and relatable form of artistic expression in India.

From historical influences to modern-day activism, figurative art evolves while maintaining its relevance and dominance. As technology and artistic methods change, one thing remains constant—the universal appeal of the human form in art.