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Art and Gandhi: A Reflection of India’s Freedom Struggle

Introduction Artistic expression has always been a mirror reflecting the social, economic, and intellectual milieu of a society. During the Indian freedom struggle, a period marked by intense patriotism and collective efforts under the leadership of great men, art played a significant role in conveying the spirit of the movement. In this essay let’s see […]

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Sensual Splendor: Exploring the Allure and Aesthetics of Mughal Erotic Art

We know the presence of ancient Indian Sanskrit text, the Kama Sutra and other classics on sex and eroticism in Indian art and thought. There are a lot of instances of that in Indian art and culture. Hindu-Buddhist art and culture display the legacy of Kama Sutra and Tantricism in the Indian civilisation. The Mughals,

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Ganesha’s Iconography: A Multifaceted Journey from Mythology to Modernity (Part 2)

Symbolism in Ganesha’s Accessories The Broken Tusk (Ekadanta) One of the most prominent symbols associated with Ganesha is his broken tusk. According to mythology, Ganesha sacrificed his own tusk to use as a writing tool during the transcription of the epic Mahabharata. This act of self-sacrifice carries deep symbolic significance. It teaches us the value

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Ganesha’s Iconography: A Multifaceted Journey from Mythology to Modernity (Part 1)

Introduction Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity, stands as an iconic and beloved figure in Hinduism and beyond. His distinctive form, replete with intricate symbolism, tells a story of mythology, spirituality, and cultural significance. In the tradition of Hindu deities, Ganesha holds a unique place, celebrated not only as the Remover of Obstacles but also as the

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Emotions and Navarasas: A Colorful Journey through Ganesh Chaturthi Festivities

Introduction  While the life around me is breathing the festivities of Vinayak Chaturthi, a range of emotions align together like a rainbow that beautifully sets the backdrop of a stage for welcoming Lord Shri Ganesha! The colours in celebrations and festivities are thus set by the tone of emotions or Rasas – named ‘Navrasas’. These

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How Photography Influenced, Changed and Modernised Art

What happens after the invention of Photography? In the age of smartphones, everybody is a shutterbug, and millions of images are produced and distributed daily on the web. Today the world celebrates Photography Day through photos captured in worlds the most valued cameras and smartphones. Historically, Photography is only affordable for some; now, anyone can

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Yayoi Kusama: Queen of Pop Art, Who Conquered the World with Polka-Dot

The story of Kusama is fascinating for many reasons. She studied traditional Japanese painting style and moved to New York in 1958, inspired by American Abstract Impressionism, became a part of the Avant-Garde movement, especially pop art, hugging hippie culture in the 1960s, got public attention when she exhibited herself as brightly coloured polka dots

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From Unfinished Masterpieces to Celebrating Creativity: World Art Day and Leonardo Da Vinci’s Contribution to the Arts

Smriti Malhotra Did you know that there was a specific day earmarked to celebrate the arts? Did you know that this day coincides with the birthday of an Important Historical figure? Let’s learn about World Art Day and about the unfinished works of Leonardo Da Vinci to remember him on his birthday. World Art Day

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Why is No Dalit Artist on India’s Most Expensive Artists list?

The Indian caste apparatus flourished inside the womb of various religions of the Indian subcontinent. Caste practices grow across many religions, like the Sayed-Ajlaf division in Islam; and Jats, Khatris, and Aroras in Sikhism. What is primary to note is that Caste, across all faiths, is a socio-economic practice that creates innate social divisions based

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Censorship: Against Art or Truth?

Word of the day: censorship. Art is and always has been, provocative. It is the job of an artist to invoke feelings in people, good or bad. Oftentimes, art questions authority, unsettles dominant narratives, and gives voice to perspectives that institutions might prefer to keep quiet. The recent controversy surrounding the film Voice of Hind

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