The art fraternity suffered a huge loss this year, that of losing the veteran art critic and poet Padmashree Keshav Malik. He was here just yesterday, a presence that has been a source of guidance, comfort and encouragement to several generations of artists. His absence de facto not registered in our minds yet. We dedicate this issue entirely to this great and noble art writer, one of the first and most prominent in the world of Indian art.

I met him in the 1990s, a long association. I worked on the Santhal documentary with him, interviewing him for it and later started to work on documenting his life’s work, which was to be complete soon, an unfinished project as of now…

Johny ML & Suneet Chopra remember the man and his saintly secluded & gentle manner that made him the reverenced personality he was. Full of kindness and acceptance but not without a sure opinion and a touch of humour so subtle that would leave one wondering… Arpana Caur pays homage while ruminating old reminiscences. Several renowned artists, writers & curators also recollect some fond memories of the modest intellectual. Gargi Seth, who had the opportunity of working together with this literary genius over many years caringly recalls how his stories and anecdotes and he his incisive comments on the works on display while walking through an exhibition were all part of a mentoring experience for her.

We have also included an interesting article by Keshavji on Ratnabali Kant known for her radical performances. Then there is an interview of Keshavji by P.Raja. Art&Deal reproduced some articles written by Padamashree Keshav Malik for some of our early issues. Lastly, we present a collection of some photographs from our archives of the master wordsmith. Hope this issue will bring back some pleasant memories of some within the art world and allow all our readers to be acquainted with this great doyen of art writing just a little bit more. Do write to us at artanddeal@gmail.com.

Siddhartha Tagore