Objective: Ascertain the leader and primary ideologue of the influential, albeit brief, artists' collective, Group 1890.
Analysis: Established in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, in 1962, Group 1890 consisted of twelve artists aiming to produce modern art that was distinctly Indian, diverging from both Bengal School revivalism and Western academic traditions. The collective's manifesto was drafted at J. Pandya's residence, hence the name "Group 1890." J. Swaminathan, an artist, writer, and activist, was the founder, leader, and principal spokesperson for the group. He authored their manifesto and served as the intellectual driving force behind their concept of "living, struggling Indian art." Although Jeram Patel was a notable member, Swaminathan was definitively the leader. K.C.S. Paniker, associated with the Cholamandal Artists' Village in Madras, was not affiliated with Group 1890.
Conclusion: J. Swaminathan led the formation of Group 1890.