India’s only daily newspaper for Art, Architecture, and Design.
The Myth of the Artist’s Life In the context of a Taoist philosophical text from the late fourth century B.C., an anecdote emerges recounting the actions of a Chinese lord who summons artists for a commissioned task. Implicit in the phrase “the artist’s life” is the notion of a distinct and separate existence. As the […]
Balancing Act: The Evolving Perception of Artists from Labourers to Icons Read More »
Fire has long fascinated humans- it evolved in purpose from a primitive tool for survival to an object of scientific fascination and study. This interest in the element, its richly coloured embers, and the marked path it leaves behind is perhaps what greatly influenced its birth as a form of artistic creation. Pyrography- literally meaning
Up in Flames: Making Art Using Fire? Read More »
Introduction Maa Durga, the embodiment of divine power and strength, has been a muse for artists across generations. Her majestic presence and symbolism have inspired a plethora of paintings that capture her grace, valour, and spirituality. In this article, we delve into the world of Maa Durga paintings, ranging from traditional Madhubani to modern abstract
Maa Durga Paintings: Maa Durga Paintings And Its Significance Read More »
Chhau in Purulia and the Mask-Making Purulia, the westernmost district of West Bengal, boasts a stunning natural landscape with rivers winding through lush hills and dramatic rocky outcrops framing thunderous waterfalls. Amidst this natural beauty lies a rich historical tapestry, with countless ancient temples scattered across the district. Moreover, Purulia is renowned for its intangible
Magnificent Masks of Chhau: Tradition, Technique and Transformations Read More »
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
Emotions and Navarasas: A Colorful Journey through Ganesh Chaturthi Festivities Read More »
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
Ganesha’s Iconography: A Multifaceted Journey from Mythology to Modernity (Part 2) Read More »
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
Ganesha’s Iconography: A Multifaceted Journey from Mythology to Modernity (Part 1) Read More »
M F. Husain may be the only Indian artist exiled because of the Artwork. Why Husain was exiled to the Gulf and lived in Qatar and London is a subject of free speech and art expression in the Indian context. We Indians did not allow him to stay in a great, civilised country because he
We Should Know Why Husain Paint Hindu Goddess only Read More »
M.F. Husain left a remarkable impact on the trajectory of Indian art. His journey as an artist, mentor, and visionary is vividly portrayed through the eyes of Akhilesh a noted painter from Madhya Pradesh whose works are admired internationally. He has prolifically written original books and also translated many books in Hindi. He is one
M F Husain as Perceived by Akhilesh in his Memoir Read More »
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
Yayoi Kusama: Queen of Pop Art, Conquer the World with Polka-Dot Read More »