Ode to the artists from north

ART OF NORTH INDIA was revealed in an entirely new way with the book launch of ‘Contemporary Art North India’, at India International centre, with the member of Rajya Sabha, Dr Karan Singh launching the book written by three dynamic writers Rajesh Chadha, Nonika Singh and Guneeta Chadha .

Being an ode to visual art, the book not only brings together artists from the northern region – a region which has never got its due for its immense contribution in the field of art but artists from the region who carry the flame of bringing it to its present level and the legacy of carrying it forward. ‘Contemporary Art North India’ delves into the contemporary art scene in the northern region and profiles artists from the region. To say that most of the artists who make into the pages of this book are the real deal of the art world won’t be an exaggeration. From ace lens man Raghu Rai, gifted artist Arpana Caur, much celebrated landscape painter Pamamjit Singh to internationally acclaimed Ranbir Kaleka, printmaker Anupam Sud, Kavita Nayyar, Sidharth, Viren Tanwar, Diwan Manna and Madan Lal the list is vast and impressive.

Unlike most books on art, this is an endeavour to bridge the gap between art lovers and artists. As a rule, artists only create their art and leave the rest to imagination of viewers. This is where the book steps in. After browsing through its pages, the authors are hopeful of creating new channels of communication. Written in lucid style, the intent is to bring the art of these great artists closer to art lovers. In the process of understanding art, either art becomes too simplistic or its complexity is enhanced manifold.

Hopefully, the book retains the mystique of art which as internationally renowned artist Ranbir Kaleka feels, if art could be completely fathomed, it would be pointless to create it.

The book while providing an insight into the artist’s mindscape doesn’t rob it off its elusive quality. Bhawna Kakar editor, curator and gallery owner who has written the forward puts it all succinctly: “Contemporary Art North India charts the trajectory of modernism in the region, tracing aesthetic influences and history leading up to its contemporary art.”