The correct option is 2 only.
Explanation
K.G. Subramanyan (1924-2016) was a defining figure in modern Indian art, known for his versatility as a painter, muralist, and scholar. His artistic philosophy was deeply rooted in the traditions of Santiniketan, which sought to bridge the gap between fine art and artisanal craft, and between the artist and the community.
Statement 1 is Incorrect: K.G. Subramanyan did not believe art should be confined to galleries to preserve its sanctity. On the contrary, he was a vocal advocate for the public role of art. He believed art should be part of the lived environment and accessible to the common people, which is why he extensively worked on exterior murals and terracotta reliefs.
Statement 2 is Correct: He created a famous mural on the outer wall of a building in Kala Bhavana (Santiniketan). One of his most iconic works is the black-and-white mural on the exterior of the painting studio at Kala Bhavana, which exemplifies his commitment to bringing art out of the studio and into the public gaze.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: He did not learn the public role of art from the British academic style of the J.J. School of Art. His understanding of art's social function was cultivated at Santiniketan under masters like Nandalal Bose and Benode Behari Mukherjee. The Santiniketan school rejected the colonial British academic style (which focused on studio-based naturalism) in favor of an indigenous modernism that incorporated murals, folk elements, and environmental engagement.
Key Takeaway: K.G. Subramanyan is renowned for revitalizing the tradition of public murals in modern Indian art, drawing inspiration from the Santiniketan ideology and Indian folk traditions rather than Western academic realism.