Instead of approaching art history as just a series of key dates and names to remember, this workshop aims towards building an understanding of the progression of styles in Indian art. Beginning with Indian art at the turn of the 20th century and ending with a broad overview of Indian art in the contemporary times and possible future directions, the workshop will trace the evolution of Indian art's major periods and styles by a close consideration of works by some of the renowned artists, while mapping its course on the political history of the country, as well within the global art scenario. Participants will emerge with a greater understanding of the arc of Indian art, an in-depth understanding of some of the greatest works by Indian artists, and a critical eye for contemporary art. The weekly lectures will be interactive in nature with group discussions, and small exercises. Presentations and Q&A sessions with invited artists will be arranged. Comprehensive glossary of terms used and a complete reading list for each session will be provided, along with a bookstall from where art books may be purchased at discounted prices. The workshop will end with a specially curated walkthrough at a museum.

Priya Pall is an independent art consultant. She has recently founded Artinsights, in response to the Indian artistic and cultural sector’s need for bespoke advice and support. Priya has provided curatorial direction to the newly set up Heritage Transport Museum (Manesar, Gurgaon). She has worked with Amity Education Group to set up Amity Art Foundation; she provides ongoing advisory service to art collectors, both Indian and international, and has curated significant personal collections. In 2013-14, she was engaged by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation as the executive director for INSERT2014. Priya has been working in the field of art and culture since 1996, with a focus on contemporary Indian art since 2006. She has held senior positions in public and private art organizations around the country. She was the Projects Curator for India Art Fair in 2009. She has worked with the Embassy of France in India, as cultural officer and was also responsible for setting up the art, literature & children’s section at the French Information Resource Centre. In 2011, Priya was awarded the Art Think South Asia (ATSA) Fellowship by the Goethe Institut, through which she received training at the Registrar’s department at Haus der Kunst in Munich. Priya has a Masters in Museum Studies from the National Museum Institute, New Delhi, with an additional qualification in history of art from the Sotheby’s Institute, London. She holds a degree in English Literature from Lady Sri Ram College, University of Delhi, and an advanced diploma in French from Alliance francaise, New Delhi. Currently living in New Delhi, Priya has lived in Hong Kong with her family for over 20 years, where she received her high school education. Having later on moved to Los Angeles and London, Priya is a global citizen and maintains an expansive understanding of contemporary art and culture, both Indian and international.