The Mumbai Research Centre of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai is pleased to announce a lecture series on The Changing Images of Bombay by Sharon Irani and Mrinal Kapadia from 26-30 July, 2021.
Time: 7 pm to 8.30 pm
Fees: ₹1000/-
Platform: Zoom
Abstract
The depiction of Mumbai through images began in earnest with the arrival of the British on these islands, with the East India Company desperately trying to gain footing in a complicated geopolitical mix. We will see how early paintings and engravings, especially if commissioned by the Company, show an exaggerated depiction of naval power, while always looking at their parcels of land from a distance, as if inadvertently hinting they have no way inland.
The occupation of Salsette brought in a measure of political stability and attracted a handful of amateur artists in the late 18th century, which eventually lead to an explosion of travellers that sketched and published their thoughts and views in the early 19th century. Through mid-to-late 19th century, we will see the evolution of imagery with the transfer of power from the Company to the Crown in which, as it takes up the "white man’s burden", the overlap of “Orientalism” in art will be observed, as well it’s translation to photography.
We will explore the explosion of photographic studios at the turn of the 19th century and the rise of “illustrated” media periodicals and booklets thereafter, with nascent advertising campaigns using these images all through the Wars. While moving through the growing Swadeshi consciousness in various ways, and culminating with Independence, Partition, and the Republic, the end note will touch on the Progressive Artist’s Group, ushering in a new direction in artistic expression of the city.
