This is a special year for Art & Deal. Initiated a decade and a half ago, it began as the only art magazine from the capital. Dedicated to art and its many facets; with like emphasis on renowned, radical, contemporary as well as upcoming artists and their tireless works, the publication has covered a long journey ever since. Honoured with awards, braving impediments and always striving to bring art closer to the art enthusiast. Art & Deal celebrates its completion of fifteen years of publication with 3 Special Issues; the 75th dedicated to the Silpi Chakra as the first of the three, the festival continues with discussions, music & seminars. The present issue pays tribute to the Silpi Chakra group movement by presenting a capsule account of beginnings, confrontations, conflicts and struggles behind this progressive art movement in Delhi.
The 1940s were marked with a significant upsurge in radical experimentation in Indian modern art. As India was justifying its fragmentation into ‘national’ and independent frames, the artists during this time were looking for a means to articulate their expression. With The Calcutta Group in 1943, Indian art saw a new avatar, devoid of romanticism and idyllic treatment of subject and offering the ‘real’. The Progressive Artists’ Group consciously sought a new language which re-defined contemporary Indian art. Similar impulses were seen in the movement happening in the capital city during a crucial phase when India gained Independence from colonial rule. The group, Delhi Silpi Chakra came into existence after many artists who migrated from Pakistan chose to form an art circle in Delhi where they could exchange ideas and share their experiences. Unlike other groups, Silpi Chakra had its doors open for artists and anyone and everyone could be a part of the group. The artists varied in essence but united in spirit worked towards the same initiative; to create an unrestricted art movement.
However the Delhi Silpi Chakra didn’t quite get its due. It deserves to be recognized as one of the major turning points in the development of modern Indian Art. We have tried to consolidate all aspects and artists of the group and apologize if any artists are not covered or if the content of this issue hurts any sentiments. We sincerely hope to have done justice to the group and its members.
Siddhartha Tagore
