- DURATION 6 x 60 mins
Event Description
Appreciation of art is often enhanced when we understand the thought that went behind the creation and the history surrounding the piece of art. The History of Indian art is as old as its civilisation itself. In India we are never far from a good story & with this course I hope to introduce epic stories in the form of architecture, sculpture & paintings to bring the full colours, textures and the sounds of ancient India to your heart.
1) Introduction & Influences on Indian Art (21st April)
This series will start by taking a look at Ancient and present day India, the themes in Indian art, and the influences on Ancient Indian art. This will be a whistle stop tour exploring the different forms of architecture, sculpture and paintings in different parts of India, from the extremely well known Taj Mahal in North India to the sensuous Chola Bronzes in South.
2) Cave paintings - Bhimbetja, Ajanta & Ellora Caves (28th April)
Learn about the glimpses of cultural evolution from 100,000 years back left behind by the early inhabitants of caves. The tradition of cave painting continues with Ajanta and Ellora caves where - at more than 10,000 sites in India - you can see ancient murals carved into cave walls and rock chambers. The soulful paintings at Ajanta Caves are masterpieces through the ages inspiring future art in India and SE Asia.
3) Buddha and Mahavira (5th May)
This week we will be taking a deeper look at Buddhist and Jain Manuscript paintings. Who were Buddha and Mahavira? The beautifully illuminated palm leaf manuscripts narrate several stories of the historical figures. They are the earliest miniature paintings & date around the tenth century.
Discussion Group Week (12th May)
Questions to consider/revise:
1) What were some of the influences on Indian art?
2) What were the Hellenistic(Greek) influences on Indian art?
3) Where are Ajanta and Ellora caves and what type of art do they depict?
4) Which is the popular chapter in the epic historical text Mahabharata?
5) Which manuscript painting did you enjoy the most and Why?
4) Islamic book illustration and paintings for the Mughal Emperor (19th May)
Who was the Mughal dynasty and the artists at the Mughal court? We will visit some of the stunning paintings that depict the change in art through the different Mughal dynasties.
5) Epic tales of Rajput paintings (26th May)
Also known as Rajasthani paintings. We will look at the interaction between Rajput and Mughal courts and their distinctive styles. Hindu art is primarily devotional in nature so the concept of divine is represented in human form of the deities.
6) Pahari painting & glimpses of contemporary paintings (9th June)
Paintings in the Himalayan hill kingdoms of North India between the 17-19th Century CE. The beautiful Pahari paintings typically depict nature as a landscape for human feelings & changes of mood.
- Duration: 6 x 60 mins
- Online Zoom event: Join from your computer, phone or tablet (no replay available)
Meet the Host, Amee Mehta
Amee Mehta took a sabbatical from a pharmaceutical career to learn about the History of Art, and she never looked back! After studying the History of Indian and Islamic Art at SOAS, the fascination for learning the history of India spurred her to keep exploring. She started the History of Indian art online courses two years back during Covid and enjoys her learning while teaching. She has also done talks for an art gallery in India and has founded KindHeART, a registered art oriented charitable trust in UK.
Preparing for the Event
For the best experience, you will need to have Zoom downloaded onto your computer. Please ensure you're connected to broadband/wifi rather than using your mobile phone connection (3G/4G).
We also recommend that pets are either calmly sitting on your lap or in another room, and any refreshments you may require are within your reach!
More Information
What if I can’t make the event?
If a recording’s available for the event, you can still register for it and we will send you an email with a link to a recording shortly after it ends.
Will my camera be on and will I be visible to the other people?
Your camera and microphone does not need to be on for you to enjoy the event. The choice about whether to do this is completely yours.
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