The contemporary Indian art style, regardless of having various artistic expressions in its bag, is generally distinguished by a timeline, 1960s and onwards. These paintings continue to captivate and endure during our lifetimes. Modern Indian art opened doorways for artists in terms of artistic expression. It also gave a sense of freedom by bringing forth invariable art schools that broke free from the state's established aesthetics. In continuation, contemporary Indian art put forward and celebrated an era of new styles and concepts. 

Modern Indian Art - The Stepping Stone 

The birth of modern Indian art can be attributed to several socio-political factors. With the emergence of British influence and hegemony in art, many artists drifted towards revolutionary expressions in art. This approach transformed the landscape and established - surrealism, abstractism and individuality. During this era, they experimented with line, shape and colour.     

This epoch saw the emergence of great artists like Raja Ravi Verma, Rabindranath Tagore, and the progressive artist group - F.N Souza, and M.F Hussain to name a few. Their artistic influences can still be seen profoundly in modern Indian art. 

Themes In Contemporary Indian Art Paintings  

The legacy of contemporary Indian art is far-reaching and evolving. Building on it contemporary artists can push boundaries and explore work that is both artistically pleasing and intellectually stimulating. With contradictory concepts like Dadaism and Conceptual art, contemporary art is continuously evolving in anticipation of new ideas. 

Although its definition isn’t associated with a particular art form, there are a few expressions unique to it. 

Pop Art
Pop art emerged in the early 1960s as a post-World War phenomenon - used broadly for advertisements and commercial purposes. A few expressions that saw a large uproar among the Indian masses were Amul’s “Amul Girl” banners or Laxman Narayan's TOI character of the common man. What made the art form so intensely famous was the accessibility of the masses rather than being an elite-only contemporary Indian artwork. 

Dadaism
Dadaism is characterized by humour, artistic whimsy, rationalism and spontaneity. A notable artist with this artistic expression in the contemporary is M.F Hussain. Known as the Picasso of India you can find the unique characteristics of Dadaism very evident in his works. 

Minimalist
Often denoted by simple abstract art, the minimalist art movement in contemporary Indian artwork remains relatively fresh. It focuses on lines, shape and geometry rather than depicting scenic art. One notable artist who excelled in the field was Zarina Hashmi. 

Conceptual Art 
Conceptual artwork prizes the idea of notions over aesthetics. Contemporary Indian art artists valued intellectual stimulation, fed up with increasingly commercialized art. This took the form of 3D art and can be seen in the form of sculptures and installation art. Often abstract they make the viewer think and decide their tale.  

Significance Of Contemporary Indian Artwork

While traditional or modern Indian art holds a special place in our hearts, its adherence to specific aesthetics can sometimes feel predictable. Enter contemporary Indian art, bursting onto the scene with a vibrant energy that transcends the boundaries of the past. This dynamic movement signifies far more than just visually striking pieces. It's a powerful force for motivation, reflection, and understanding, offers a fresh perspective, captures the present moment, and breaks free from aesthetic limitations.

Contemporary art tackles complex social issues, sparks conversations about gender and identity, and pushes the boundaries of mediums and techniques. That's the reality of contemporary Indian art. Artists like Atul Dodiya use their work to challenge viewers, while Bharti Kher's evocative sculptures prompt us to reconsider our relationship with nature. From multimedia installations exploring urbanization to photography that captures the essence of bustling street life, this art form holds a mirror to contemporary India, reflecting its realities, complexities, and vibrant spirit.

Furthermore, contemporary Indian art thrives on diversity. Gone are the days of predictable styles. Artists like Anish Kapoor and Shilpa Gupta experiment with unconventional materials and incorporate global influences, ensuring there's something for everyone. This constant innovation keeps audiences engaged, surprised, and challenged. In conclusion, contemporary Indian art doesn't simply beautify our walls; it breathes life into them, enriching our understanding of the world and ourselves. It's a testament to the dynamism of Indian culture, constantly evolving and refusing to be confined by general expectations.