Abirpothi

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Setting the Global Table of Indian Art and Culture: The Enterprise of Pupul Jayakar

Introduction Pupul Jayakar (1915-1997) was an extraordinary Indian cultural activist, art historian, writer, and advocate for the preservation and promotion of India’s rich cultural legacy. She was instrumental in revitalising traditional arts and crafts, facilitating international cultural interchange, and emphasising the need of maintaining India’s rich cultural heritage through her tireless work and novel concepts. […]

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Martand Singh: Reviving the Fabric of Tradition in Textiles

Introduction  The name “Martand Singh” stands as a light of rebirth in the world of Indian textiles. Martand Singh, often known as the “Textile Revivalist,” dedicated his life to preserving and rejuvenating the rich tradition of Indian textiles, which were intricately woven into the nation’s cultural fabric. His reputation as a visionary curator, historian, and

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Good Art, Bad Artist! Is It Even Possible to Separate Art From the Artist?

Introduction The age-old debate of whether one can separate the art from the artist remains a topic of fervent discussion, touching upon ethical, moral, and aesthetic dimensions. This essay delves into the various perspectives surrounding this issue, examining instances where the art and the artist’s personal life intersect or diverge. 1. The Aesthetic Disconnect A

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Pioneering Perspectives: The Unsung Heroines of the Mexican Mural Movement

  “I am completely primitive and savage. I love freedom above all.” – Aurora Reyes Introduction Emerging in the wake of the Mexican Revolution, the Mexican muralism movement proved revolutionary in its essence. This dynamic movement not only ushered in fresh concepts and perspectives but, crucially, democratized art, making it accessible to all. Distinguished by

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Crafting Divinity: Pichwai Tradition and its Artistic and Devotional Resonance

Revered Art of Pichwai Originating in Nathdwara, near Udaipur, Rajasthan, pichwai is a devotional custom where cloth is painted with revered images and hung behind the deity. This practice emerged in the 17th-century shrine of Nathdwara when an idol of Krishna was moved from Mathura during Aurangzeb’s reign. “Pichwai,” which translates to “that which hangs

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Ms Laila Tyabji: Reviving and Reinventing Indian Handicrafts Through Dastkar initiative

Ms Laila Tyabji is a designer, writer, and the founder and Chairperson of Dastkar, a Society for Craftspeople. She has been working in the craft and innovation sector since 1978. In 2012, she was awarded the “Padma Shri” for her extensive contributions to Indian handicrafts. Ms Laila is the second-ever recipient and the first Asian

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Exploring the Distinctive Threads: The Nuances of American and English Comics (Part-2)

INTRODUCTION The world of comics is a captivating realm where artistic expression and storytelling converge to create vibrant narratives that captivate readers across the globe. Within this realm, two distinct traditions, American comics and English comics, stand as pillars of creativity and innovation. While they share the common medium of sequential art, these traditions exhibit

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A remarkable journey of Mr O.P. Jain: The founding father of Sanskriti Foundation and Museums

Om Prakash Jain, born in 1929, is an Indian art curator, collector, patron, and philanthropist. He founded the Sanskriti Pratishthan (Sankriti Foundation) in 1979, widely regarded as one of the foremost organisations committed to cultural preservation and advancement of arts; as well as runs the Sanskriti Kendra Museums in Anandagram, Delhi. He was chairman of

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Resurgence of Devotion: How Did Neo-Vaishnavism Shape Assam’s Cultural Renaissance?

Introduction India’s cultural and spiritual heritage is woven with threads of diverse traditions and profound philosophies that have evolved over centuries. Among these, Vaishnavism stands as evidence of the lasting power of devotion and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Originating in ancient times, Vaishnavism’s roots delve deep into the religious landscape of India. Within this

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Mayawati’s Lucknow: Buddha, Baba Saheb Becomes Visible in the Cityscape

In 2002, the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party, Kanshi Ram, announced his intentions to convert to Buddhism on 14th October 2006, the 50th anniversary of Ambedkar’s conversion at Nagpur. But on 9th October 2006, the charismatic Dalit leader died at his official residence in New Delhi after a long history of health complications. After

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