Jamini Roy

Jamini Roy
Published by National Art Treasure, First Edition 2015, 125 Pages
(Based on the exhibition at Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, curated by Partha Pratim Roy)

Category: Indian Art

Jamini Roy, published by National Art Treasure in 2015, stands as a significant visual and scholarly exploration of one of India’s most revered modern artists. This first edition, comprising 125 carefully curated pages, serves as both a tribute and a deep study of Jamini Roy’s monumental contribution to Indian art. Developed from the landmark exhibition held at the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, and curated by Partha Pratim Roy, the book is a compelling synthesis of curatorial insight, biographical detail, and visual splendor.

The book meticulously traces the journey of Jamini Roy, who began his career in the academic traditions of European realism but soon turned away from Western influence in pursuit of an indigenous visual language. Roy’s transformation was not merely stylistic; it was ideological. Deeply influenced by the Swadeshi movement and the rising tide of Indian nationalism, he sought to create an art form that was distinctly Indian—rooted in the soil, the spirit, and the folk traditions of the land. Abandoning oil paints and canvas, he adopted materials traditionally used by Indian craftsmen: natural dyes, handmade paper, tempera, and earthy colors. His subjects—Santhal women, village dancers, mythological narratives, and icons of everyday life—reflected his commitment to making art for the people, about the people.

This publication not only reproduces some of Roy’s most iconic paintings, but also includes rare sketches, preparatory drawings, and photographs that help contextualize his evolution as an artist. It brings attention to his mastery of line, form, and flat color planes—elements that drew from Bengali patua art, temple murals, and terracotta sculptures. The book also delves into his spiritual themes, particularly his fascination with Ramayana, Christ, and Krishna, which he rendered in a symbolic, almost devotional style.

Scholarly essays and annotations provide deep analytical perspectives on his techniques, materials, thematic choices, and his role in the broader discourse of modernism in Indian art. The volume positions Roy not just as an artist, but as a cultural revolutionary who redefined the purpose of art in a colonized nation. He championed accessibility in art, challenging elitist perceptions and celebrating the aesthetic richness of rural and folk traditions.

This book is not just a catalogue of paintings—it is a cultural document, preserving the spirit of an era when Indian art was undergoing a profound transformation. With its vivid visuals, curatorial precision, and academic depth, Jamini Roy is essential reading for art historians, students, collectors, and anyone interested in the roots of Indian modernism. It pays homage to an artist who broke conventions, revived tradition, and carved out an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations.

• Based on the landmark exhibition on Jamini Roy at Salar Jung Museum.

• Curated by Partha Pratim Roy, offering expert insight and context.

• Showcases Roy’s transition from academic realism to indigenous folk styles.

• Features high-quality reproductions of paintings, sketches, and archival images.

• Discusses Roy’s techniques, materials, and philosophical approach to art.

• Situates Roy within the broader Indian modern art and nationalist movements.

• A compact yet comprehensive reference for enthusiasts of Indian Art and Modernism.