Introduction Mahatma Gandhi, the iconic leader of India’s struggle for independence, is known to the world for his philosophy of nonviolence, civil disobedience, and unwavering commitment to justice. Beyond his role as a political leader, Gandhi’s image and ideals have also permeated into art, inspiring countless artists to capture his essence and his contribution to […]
Mahatma Gandhi in Famous works of Art Read More »
There is a Japanese saying: “When the student is ready, the master will appear.”To become an artist is often a lonely journey. It is a continuous cycle of self-doubt and self-realisation. In the early years, amid all the noise and confusion, you keep hearing, “Find your voice… find where you belong.” My guru Toofan Rafai once told
Finding Your Voice as an Artist Read More »
‘Art is a mirror of nature’ is one of the oldest philosophical sayings. Aristotle proposed this, which has never actually been contested. Humans cannot be separated from nature. Religion says that people come from soil and become part of it. Leave religion, even though it has some point. Nature remains the main theme and source
From Vanishing Villages to Rising Seas: Art and Climate Change 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 »
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 »
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
How Photography Influenced, Changed and Modernised Art 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, Who Conquered the World with Polka-Dot Read More »
Picasso was wrong. Or maybe he was being cheeky when he famously proclaimed that “great artists steal”. Yes, Picasso doesn’t just speak. He proclaims. The full quote attributed to him goes: “Good artists copy, great artists steal.” However, art historians have confirmed beyond doubt that Picasso didn’t proclaim that, though he did proclaim a lot
Picasso said “Good artists copy, great artists steal” Here is Why HE WAS WRONG & WHY Read More »
Mughal miniature paintings are a strong layer in Indian miniature paintings. At the same time, the depiction of women in Indian miniature paintings is a matter of critical review. We are now living in a time where its ‘reinterpretations’ provide new perspectives. German thinker Habermas said that representation is the giving of visibility to what
What Do Mughal Miniatures Tell Us About Women? Read More »
Written by Abu Nuwas “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”Soren Kierkegaard In Trikaal, Shyam Benegal’s sombre film on the end of the Portuguese rule in Goa, the tones are dark and melancholic and it is said that Benegal and Ashok Mehta, the brilliant cinematographer, shot some of it in
Cartooning Is Dead: Long Live Mario Miranda Read More »
