Correct Option
The correct option is J. Swaminathan
Explanation
Group 1890 was a short-lived but significant collective of twelve Indian artists formed in 1962 in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. The group sought to define a new trajectory for Indian modernism, distinct from the revivalist nationalism of the Bengal School and the European-derived modernism of the Progressive Artists' Group.
Detailed Analysis
- J. Swam He was the founding leader and the chief ideologue of Group 1890. He authored the group's manifesto, which advocated for the autonomy of art and the "virginity of the canvas," rejecting the burden of history and foreign influences.
- Origin of the Name: The collective was named "Group 1890" simply because their first meeting took place at House Number 1890, the residence of J. Pandya in Bhavnagar.
- Other Members: Artists such as G. M. Sheikh, Himmat Shah, Jeram Patel, and Jyoti Bhatt were members of the group. However, the manifesto and the ideological leadership were provided by Swaminathan.
- F. N. Souza: He was a founder of the Progressive Artists' Group (PAG) established in 1947 in Bombay, and was not associated with Group 1890.
Key Takeaway: Group 1890 was formed in 1962 under the leadership of J. Swaminathan, who wrote its manifesto. The group's only exhibition was inaugurated by Octavio Paz in 1963.