Development and progress are essential for human survival, but it is also important that we choose compassionately what to destroy in order to rebuild and what to cherish and retain. India is known for its rich and diverse culture and our old buildings and architecture are residual mementos of amazing artistic and ethnic histories. Renowned photographer, artist, writer Waswo X. Waswo had recently uploaded on Instagram images of a building/s demolished in an area of Rajasthan, through the broken facade one could view beautiful old paintings on the walls of the interiors being brought to the ground.
In the cover story H. A. Anil Kumar questions the moral ethic around letting go of past glory for progress as The Venkatappa Museum in Bangalore is handed over to a private institution much to the dismay of the artistic community at large. Rajesh Punj is in discussion with Spanish artist Marina Vargas who expressively speaks of the beliefs and ideas involved in her practice. She thinks of religion as necessary and a part of human existence but, also ascertains that faith is vital to her, rather than following an institutionalised cult culture.
Uma Nair analyzes the work and styles of Vineet Kacker, a contemporary ceramic artist following his recent solo show in Delhi. His works carries deep Buddhist and Hindu influences and come across as remanences of past histories and cultures. These visuals invoke an uncanny nostalgic feeling which is also spiritual, meditative and peaceful.
Premjish talks to Waswo X. Waswo about recently launched book “The Artful Life of R. Vijay” which looks at the artistic collaboration between Waswo and R. Vijay evolving in an extra ordinary juxtaposition of traditional miniature with
contemporaneity. Dr. Ashrafi S. Bhagat delineates the imagery of V. V. Ramani, a talented artist who has been working with collages over the last two decades. And there are reviews and book reviews. Hope you find it an interesting read. Your feedback is intrinsic so keep writing to us at artanddeal@gmail.com.
Happy Reading
Siddhartha Tagore
