Delhi hasn’t seen a summer this dry and this hot in a long time; hot wind, parching sun, and the yellow defiant blossoms lining the roads in snobbish pride of their own beauty amidst the harsh surroundings and barely breathable air. We too battle the intense season, albeit less gracefully. This issue we cover several interesting artists, from the veteran Jamil Naqsh to Riten Mazumdar celebrated for his design acumen, Michael Joo a cutting edge contemporary to Suvigya Sharma, an artist who has mastered the traditional art of India and has been restoring iconic buildings as he continues to create beautiful miniature and Tanjore style works adorned with intricate gold work.

Edward Lucie Smith ruminates over the life and art of Jamil Naqsh, a celebrated Pakistani artist born in Uttar Pradesh, in pre independence India. Rajesh Punj is in conversation with Michael Joo, with emphasis on his recent show Radiohalo. Joo continues to blur the boundaries between art and science and works with a variety of mediums like film, sculpture, performance, and installation, with material ranging from bamboo to human sweat and silver nitrate. Ushmita Sahu explores the artistic journey of Riten Mazumdar with his outstanding contribution to design. He had the privilege of learning from teachers like Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar Baij and Benodebehari Mukherjee during his formative years which undoubtedly contributed to his remarkable sensibilities as an artist and as a designer. Then, we have a Tanya Abraham pondering over the varied facets and altercations of “Cultural Entrepreneurship.”

Uma Nair examines Arun Pandit’s stylised human and animal forms, like bulls, the powerful visual language of his brilliantly crafted bronze sculptures. A favourite of the glitterati, Suvigya Sharma has made his mark early in life, and not without reason. His exquisite miniature and traditional Tanjore works with gold displayed such potential that he was given the task of restoration work at the iconic City Palace in Rajasthan which he accomplished with equal expertise. Hope you enjoy the issue. Do send us your feedback at artanddeal@gmail.com.

Happy Reading!

Siddhartha Tagore