Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Introduce the answer by defining art for art’s sake and art for social change
• Delve into concept and relevance of Art for art's sake in Contemporary Indian Art form
• Highlight the concept and relevance of Art for social change in Contemporary Indian Art form
• Conclude in a balanced manner.

Introduction

The debate between "Art for art's sake" and "Art for social change" has been a significant discourse in the art world, while Art for art's sake emphasizes aesthetic value and artistic expression for its own merit, Art for social change views art as a medium for addressing societal issues and inspiring action.

• In the context of contemporary Indian art, this debate takes on unique dimensions, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage, complex social fabric, and rapidly changing socio-economic landscape.

Body

"Art for Art's Sake":

• Concept: This perspective emphasizes aesthetic value over didactic, moral, or utilitarian functions, advocating that art should be created and appreciated for its intrinsic beauty and form.
  • Rooted in the 19^th-century European aesthetic movement, it is particularly associated with Théophile Gautier and Walter Pater.
  • This viewpoint champions artistic freedom and autonomy from societal pressures and is influenced by Indian philosophical concepts like the 'rasa' theory in classical aesthetics
• In Contemporary Indian art:
  • Artists like S.H. Raza and V.S. Gaitonde focus on abstract forms and colors, drawing from tantric art and Indian spirituality
  • The Bombay Progressive Artists' Group initially focused on modernist aesthetics, seeking to break from academic realism
  • Nasreen Mohamedi's minimalist drawings and photographs emphasize line, form, and space

"Art for Social Change":

• Concept: This perspective views art as a medium to address social, political, and cultural issues, aiming to raise awareness, provoke thought, and inspire action.
  • Rooted in the belief that art has a responsibility to engage with society, it often draws inspiration from social realism, activist movements, and India's history of socially engaged art.
• In Contemporary Indian Art:
  • Artists like Subodh Gupta use everyday objects to comment on consumerism (like ‘Very Hungry God’), migration, and class disparities
  • Painter Arpita Singh addresses issues of women's rights and social justice through her vibrant, narrative-rich canvases
  • Performance artist Tejal Shah addresses issues of gender, sexuality, and ecology through their multidisciplinary practice

Conclusion

The dynamic interplay between "Art for art's sake" and "Art for social change" enriches India's art scene, merging aesthetics with social commentary. Artists like Nalini Malani create works that are both visually compelling and socially relevant. This ongoing dialogue enhances Indian art's global resonance and contributes to the broader discourse on art's role in society