GEORGINA BEXON
27 NOVEMBER 2020, 1PM
The Story of Indian Modern Art
At the birth of Indian Independence in 1947, a group of talented and determined artists set out to create a new art for a new country. They drew on ancient artistic traditions but also had a radical view of how Indian art could speak to its audience. This movement, known as the Bombay Progressives Artists' Group, created an art very much for and of its time – acting as witness to a country in turmoil and relating the fascinating story of transition and growth of the new India. This talk offers an exploration of how art in the subcontinent threw off the yoke of colonial influence to create modern masterpieces and a thriving global business.
Georgina is an art historian specialising in South Asian art who has lived and worked in the UK, USA and Singapore. Her practice includes lecturing, writing, consulting and collecting and she has developed a network of gallery and artist connections in Europe, the USA and India, which she visits regularly. An official tour guide at Tate Modern and Art Historian at the Oriental Club, London, Georgina is also a guest speaker on luxury cruise ships for whom she has developed a series of art talks relating to Asian and Pacific destinations. She has been a visiting lecturer at UK universities, presents talks at leading art institutions including Christie’s Education New York and the Museum of Modern Art, Moscow and speaks at international art conferences, most recently in New York, Paris, London and Lisbon. Georgina holds a BA in Art History from Southampton University, an MA in Arts Management and Policy from City, University of London and an MA in Art History from SOAS, University of London. Georgina is a Patron of the Contemporary Art Society, has been a Trustee of Salisbury Arts Centre and on working committees at Tate and the Art Fund. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and the Royal Asiatic Society.
Thanks very much for your kind comments, Liz. Of course I'm thoroughly biased, but there is so much fascinating history and sociology embedded in Indian art that one can go on looking at it, and learning, for a long time. Thank you too for mentioning my slides - there are always so many marvellous images for me to choose from when preparing a lecture and I have to make tough decisions! By the way, I'm adding new Indian titles to the online Directory soon. Thanks again and warm wishes.
Georgina's passion for modern Indian Art was very apparent in her erudite and fascinating lecture. The lecture was well structured and illustrated with excellent slides. I look forward very much to another of Georgina's lectures as this is clearly a vast subject about which I know very little and now would like to know a lot more.
Thank you Jane! I feel that there is a sense that we all think we know quite a lot about India through TV, film, print, online etc but there is actually so much wonderful art from many different periods, that often surprises. Even me sometimes! I'm so glad you enjoyed the lecture. With best wishes.
Many thanks for a simply amazing lecture. Excellent presentation and content. One of the best lectures I have heard recently. A total revelation as whilst I have been to India many times, I was not aware of the art movements discussed. This is a whole new fascinating area to explore and I hope you do more talks and study days for us soon.
Such a brilliant and colourful talk, full of information about contemporary Indian artists, explaining all the different things that make up India, reminiscence of the third eye, the 3 masters of modern art, with a sense of drama, and mix of approaches and belief. Well done, much appreciated Georgina and to Florian for giving us the opportunity of connecting with the Arts.