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Introduction In a recent conversation with Mumbai-based artist Deepika Sakhat and Abir Pothi’s editor Iftikar Ahmed, explored the topic, “Why We Fear Using the Word Artist.” During our virtual meet, Deepika revealed something unexpected for someone living in one of India’s busiest cities. The fast-paced life of Mumbai proved to be overwhelming for her. The […]
“I Don’t Need That Much”: Deepika Rejects the City Life Read More »
“K.S. Radhakrishnan is one of the most notable among the new generation of sculptors who has successfully brought about a definitive resurgence in Indian sculpture. Like many of his contemporaries he is a figurative sculptor, but his preference for modeling and bronze casting over new materials sets him apart from the rest of them. Recharging age-old
Today we have in our midst Zafar Mehdi; an architect turned filmmaker, whose newest film Plus D’amour is making strides in film festivals around the world. Zafar’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of embracing one’s true calling. After a Bachelor of Architecture from Integral University in Lucknow, Zafar interned and worked as
For the Sake of Passion: Zafar Mehdi on Plus D’amour Read More »
In an interview with Manjeera for Abir Pothi, Garima Agrawal, and Jai Thakur, two independent photographers, talk about their collaborative project Astitva Photo which aims to bridge the gap between the novices and the experts in the photography industry. Jai and Garima saw that there is a noticeable lack of structure in the industry, making
Paving the path: Project Astitva bridges the gap between amateurs and experts Read More »
Abirpothi interviews Preeti Garg, co-founder of Gallery Veda “To make art more inclusive and not intimidating was the idea behind the gallery. Chennai, with its well-known love for the arts, provides the perfect setting for such a concept. The need for a distinctive space amid the homogeneity is what urged me to start the gallery,”
Gallery Veda wants to find space for every art piece Read More »
Noted painter Akhilesh comes from Madhya Pradesh and his works are admired internationally. He has prolifically written original books and also translated many books in Hindi. He is one of the rare artists who had the good fortune of being associated with the three great masters of Indian art; J Swaminathan, Maqbool Fida Husain and
Akhilesh witnessed Husain, Raza & Swaminathan, and shines on his own Read More »
Continued from Part 3. “Buddha and Mahavir were able to make progress only through their own experience, and that why I see art and spirituality being connected in this land. We will have to have conversations like those in the Upanishads, by immersing ourselves in art, and thereby with our artworks. We will have to
Himmat Shah, Part 4: Finding bliss through clay, and the Self through bliss Read More »
Continued from Part 2. According to Himmat Shah, an artist should be a very sensitive person, who could experience art at the very subtle levels and could give unmatched form to their own artworks. So that the unmatchable quality of their individuality stays in their work, and when faced with doubt, they could search for
Himmat Shah, Part 3: Deep Immersion through Clay Read More »
Continued from Part 1 “Look at people today — how they have become obsessed with their own body. How strange it seems that everyone wants to become body-less without understanding the body, dream of freedom without knowing boundation. It seems that everything is floating in thin air; the journey-nobody wants to embark on that process,
Himmat Shah, Part 2: The Ceramic Yogi Read More »
There is nothing straight about Himmat Shah. From his personal life to his art, which keeps meandering into different contours in ways one can not even imagine. One can experience them though, this process of exploring the unknown within him and around and his capacity to reveal some bits. Crossing the threshold of 90
Himmat Shah, Part 1: The poet of clay and ceramics Read More »