The correct option is Biren De and G.R. Santosh.
Explanation
Neo-Tantric art emerged as a significant movement in Indian modern art during the 1960s and 1970s. This style sought to reconcile indigenous spiritual traditions with modern abstract idioms. Artists drew inspiration from Tantric philosophy, utilizing symbols such as yantras, mandalas, and chakras, alongside geometric symmetry and vivid colors, to evoke meditative and metaphysical experiences.
Detailed Analysis
- F.N. Souza and S.H. Raza is incorrect: F.N. Souza was a founder of the Progressive Artists' Group and is known for his expressionist style, often featuring distorted figures and landscapes. While S.H. Raza later incorporated the 'Bindu' and geometric abstraction rooted in Indian metaphysics, F.N. Souza is not associated with the Neo-Tantric movement.
- Biren De and G.R. Santosh is correct: Biren De and G.R. Santosh are the most prominent figures of the Neo-Tantric movement.
- G.R. Santosh was influenced by Kashmir Shaivism and created symmetrical, meditative compositions symbolizing the union of Shiva and Shakti.
- Biren De focused on the interplay of light and energy, using concentric shapes and U-forms to represent the fusion of male and female principles (Purusha and Prakriti).
- Tyeb Mehta and Akbar Padamsee is incorrect: Tyeb Mehta and Akbar Padamsee were contemporaries associated with the Progressive Artists' Group. Tyeb Mehta is renowned for his diagonal compositions and falling figures, while Akbar Padamsee is known for his 'Metascapes' and figure studies. Neither practiced Neo-Tantric art.
- K.G. Subramanyan and Bhupen Khakhar is incorrect: K.G. Subramanyan was a versatile artist known for his eclectic style blending folklore and modernism. Bhupen Khakhar was a pioneer of narrative figuration and Indian Pop Art, focusing on the everyday lives of the middle class. Their styles are distinct from the geometric abstraction of Neo-Tantrism.
Key Takeaway: The Neo-Tantric movement in modern Indian art is defined by the use of geometric abstraction and spiritual symbolism derived from Tantra, with G.R. Santosh and Biren De being its primary exponents.