Popular by the name, ‘Missile man of India’, APJ Abdul Kalam, former President, an eminent aero-space scientist and to top it all a percipient visionary departed from us in the month of July. He will be remembered for his unprecedented personality and his inspirational words that moved the entire country into the path of progression. His motivation will keep our minds ignited and will provide wings to our dreams.

This issue’s cover story focuses on the works and styles of the renowned artist Nilima Sheikh. What one finds in most of Nilima’s works is that there is a pronounced undercurrent of lyricism which connects these works with a joyous riot of colours, all magnificently held in an aura of serenity, despite the tumult, drama, and exuberance, of the happenings within the spatial space of the paintings. The viewer is compelled by the arresting visuals to stop, study, and understand the details, and at the same time, enjoy the richness of the iridescent colours present in the paintings.

“Nilima Sheikh’s artistic journey as a painter has led her to cross the dimensions of time and space, to discover the mysterious lands of reverie and dreams.” Sumati Gangopadhyay concludes.

Further, we have essays, reports, profile of another renowned artist, Neeraj Goswami, including interviews, features and reviews. We’ve also included two new segments of snippets and listings serving as a directory for our readers to be a part of art events throughout the country.

The essay by Seema Bhalla: ‘Tryst of Contemporary with Tradition’ is a detailed study of how Indian Art evolved over the years starting from the Ajanta paintings to what we call contemporary art, and how renowned artists kept the indigenous element alive after all these years; and, the struggle to create something of their own style too.

“There is a simultaneous attempt by certain artists to create an art form that has the appeal of being indigenous. In the scenario, it becomes imperative to understand what exactly constitutes Indian art .This trajectory of Indian art is imperative to trace as it explains the shift between the heritage of traditional art and influence of western art. In the situation, it would not be wrong to say that any path chosen that expresses the sincerity, sensibility and originality of creativity, is a path well chosen.” -Seema Bhalla

The Essay by Apurva Sinha: ‘The Enigma of Bhojpur Temple: Open roofed sanctum or a disproportionate Temple-historical riddle’ explores the ancient Indian idea of site selection for a temple, its architecture and intricacies involved in its construction. Every antique entity has an associated history. We always wonder how it would be if we turn the wheel, and go into the past. Living in the 21st century one cannot imagine the life of 11thcentury. Siva Temple and its appendages reflect the technology and extreme engineering skills that were prevalent in mediaeval India

A Sneak peak to the ArtDeal Auction House-Summer Auction: With the upcoming summer auction, ArtDeal Auction House aims to expose the commendable works (mainly sketches) of the masters, and ornate sculptural pieces (aniconic objects of art). The artistic works of one of the stalwarts of Bengal school movement Nandalal Bose, Jamini Roy, a solemn artistic jewel Francis Newton Souza, a pro tribal artist Jagdish Swaminathan, and experimenter of abstraction Jeram Patel, will be the masterpieces to unveil.

Our main office has shifted from F-209, Old MB Road, Lado Sarai to its current location at
22 A, Hauz Khas Village. Do send us your feed back at artanddeal@gmail.com. Happy reading!

Siddhartha Tagore