The Indian contemporary art scene is rich, layered and constantly evolving. These seven artist books offer rare insights into their personal life as well as artistic practice. Whether you are an art lover or just getting started, these titles are essential reading
FN Souza: The Archetypal Artist by Janeita Singh
A collection of 21 essays exploring the life and art of F.N. Souza, this work weaves together research in art history, Eastern and Western philosophy, classical literature, Jungian analysis, psychology, anthropology, religion, and theatre. What began as a personal quest by the author to understand cultural constructs surrounding life, the body, and sexuality has evolved into a richly layered inquiry across disciplines.
The Time of My Life: Memories, Anecdotes, Tall Talk by Krishen Khanna
In this reflective narrative, Krishen Khanna revisits key moments from his life, including a significant shift from a career in banking to one in art. Along the way, he introduces us to the remarkable individuals who shaped his journey, beginning with his family and relatives, and extending to friends, fellow artists, and even a few he never met. The latter half of this concise yet aptly titled volume, Adventures in Art, highlights encounters with renowned artists such as M.F. Husain, Satish Gujral, Akbar Padamsee, and Ram Kumar.
Amrita Sher-Gil: A Life by Yashodhra Dalmia
Beautiful, brilliant, and fiercely independent, Amrita Sher-Gil defied the conventions of her time, stirring scandal with her love affairs and unconventional lifestyle. In this captivating biography, art historian Yashodhara Dalmia presents a vivid portrait of the iconic artist who, despite her untimely death in 1941 at just twenty-eight, left behind a powerful legacy. Her body of work not only marks her as one of the most significant artists of the century but also as a poignant symbol of the cultural confluence between East and West.
Bhupen Khakhar: You Can’t Please All by Ranjit Hoskote
Bhupen Khakhar, active in India from the late 1960s, was a gentle yet radical voice whose luminous paintings explored themes of class, gender, and sexuality with a nuanced, often tragicomic sensitivity. This richly illustrated publication offers a fresh perspective on Khakhar’s artistic, social, and spiritual concerns. Featuring significant essays on his influences, along with personal and heartfelt reflections from those who knew him, the book stands as an essential reference on one of the most distinctive and compelling figures in twentieth-century art. It also includes focused responses to key works by prominent writers, curators, and artists, making it a vital contribution to the discourse on international modernism.
A LIFE IN ART: S. H RAZA by Ashok Vajpeyi
This is the most comprehensive volume to date on the long and illustrious artistic journey of the great master, S.H. Raza. Through both words and visuals, it captures the struggles, evolution, and visionary depth of his work. The book features insights from French, German, and Indian critics, along with the latest information on Raza’s life and art. Published to mark his 85th birthday, it is both an intellectual and visual celebration of a modern art icon. Included are rare photographs such as images of his first village school, his school register, and archival press clippings, many of which are being published for the first time.
Benodebehari Mukherjee: Centenary Retrospective by Gulam Mohamed Sheikh and R Siva Kumar
Catalog of the centenary retrospective exhibition of the Indian artist; chiefly photographic reproductions of his works; includes contributed articles on his life and works.
Ram Kumar: A Journey Within
This book offers a deep insight into Ram Kumar—the individual, the painter, and the writer. Primarily a visual documentation, it spans over 35 years of his abstract works while also showcasing some of his earliest figurative paintings. Alongside critical assessments by renowned critics such as Richard Bartholomew and Sham Lal, the book features Ram Kumar’s own writings, including excerpts from his unpublished notebooks and reflections on fellow contemporary Indian artists. It stands as a testament to his enduring artistic journey through life and nature.
These seven books remind us that, the act of making art often extends beyond the canvas, into pages that think, question and remember. Whether you are collecting, reading or simply looking, these books are powerful way to engage with contemporary Indian Art.
Featuring Image Courtesy: Vadehra Art Gallery
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