Abirpothi

Minerva

Minerva is a visual artist and currently serves as a sub editor at Abir Pothi.

The Art and History of Japanese Erotica

The Japanese approach to sexuality has historically differed greatly from that of Europe, where sexual expression was often framed within religious or heroic narratives. In contrast, Japanese art embraced a more open, humorous, and consensual depiction of sexuality, particularly through the genre of shunga, which literally means “spring pictures.” These erotic artworks, popular during the […]

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The Art of Phulkari

Phulkari, which translates to “flower work” in Hindi and Punjabi, is a centuries-old embroidery tradition rooted in the Punjab region of present-day India and Pakistan. Historically practiced by women within the domestic sphere, phulkari was not simply an art form but a vital expression of lived experience, memory, and personal identity. The earliest material records

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9 Historic Domes That Define India’s Architectural Legacy

In Indian architectural history, domes have played a significant role, appearing in Buddhist stupas, Jain temples, and the opulence of Mughal buildings. These constructions were not just technical achievements but also symbolic representations of the sacred, whether they were the bulbous, elaborately decorated domes of Islamic architecture or the early domical forms found in stupas.

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UNESCO Adds 26 New Sites to World Heritage List, Highlights Africa’s Culture and Natural Riches

During its annual World Heritage Committee meeting in Paris earlier this month, UNESCO announced the addition of 26 new sites to its prestigious World Heritage list. Of these, 21 are cultural sites, four are natural, and one is both cultural and natural. Notably, four of the new sites are located in Africa, and nearly a

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The Art of Japanese Scrolls

Traditional Japanese scroll paintings, also referred to as kakemono  or kakejiku, represent an ancient tradition of Japanese visual culture that has been in practice for centuries. Painted works, usually on paper or silk, are mounted on scrolls intended for hanging on walls. For both their ornamental and practical functions, scrolls have been highly valued in

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The Intersection of Art and Mental Health

Art is inherently subjective, created and interpreted through individual experiences, memories, emotions, and preferences. The aesthetic experience comes from the relationship between the viewer and the artwork. For the artist, creating is an emotional act. An artist must stay connected to their work as it develops; the creative process serves as a space for mutual

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Painting with flies: The Unconventional Art of John Knuth

John Knuth is pushing the boundaries of what painting can be, transforming the most unexpected materials into shimmering, thought-provoking works of art. For his recent series, Knuth developed an unconventional process that starts with mail-ordering hundreds of thousands of maggots, which mature into houseflies inside a custom-built enclosure of canvases wrapped in netting. These flies

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