A Century of India Through Foreign Eyes: The Orientalist Evolution

The 'Destination India: Foreign Artist in India, 1857-1947' exhibition curated by Giles Tillotson at DAG, explores the evolution of India's representation by Orientalist artists from the mid-19th to mid-20th century. It highlights how these artists, including Edward Lear, depicted Indian life, shifting from architectural grandeur to everyday life and marketplaces.

Curated by Giles Tillotson, the exhibition 'Destination India: Foreign Artist in India, 1857-1947' at DAG delves into the nuanced representation of India through the eyes of foreign artists between the Uprising of 1857 and Independence in 1947. This period marks a significant evolution in Orientalist art.

The exhibit contrasts the romantic impressions of Edward Lear in the 19th century with those of earlier artists like William Hodges. While Hodges focused on architectural refinement, Lear and his contemporaries captured India's vivid marketplaces, serene gardens, and bustling ghats, offering a more dynamic portrayal.

Featuring works from nearly 40 artists from diverse nations, the exhibition explores how their perspectives, influenced by romanticism and colonial ties, shaped visual culture in India. The accompanying book, with contributions from Shashi Tharoor and historians, provides deeper insights into this transformative era of foreign art in India.