Sifting through new publications on Anjolie Ela Menon, KG Subramanyan and Paresh Maity

Recent book releases on three most significant artists from India; their vision and voyage, are worth having on your shelf! Anjolie Ela Menon, KG Subramanyan and Paresh Maity are among the most distinguished names on Indian art scene. The new publications provide a succinct insight into their thought processes, philosophy and achievements because of which they occupy a place of pride in Indian art history.

‘Regarding the Drawings of KG Subramanyan’ (Pages: 433; Publisher: The Guild; Price: Rs. 2,500) by R. Siva Kumar, Professor of art history at Visva Bharati, Santiniketan throws light on his illustrious career. The author introduces us to the various facets of his personality - artist, art scholar, educationist, writer, philosopher and designer – all rolled in one.

Professor R. Siva Kumar notes about his art: “Encompassing doodles, scribbles, sketches, studies, calligraphic and tinted drawings, and drawing with pigments; done using ballpoint pen, brush and ink, crayon, alone or in combination with color or ink washes, and in gouache; and employing graphic devices ranging from marks, scrawls, calligraphic brush work, freehand flourishes, strokes and dabs- KG Subramanyan’s repertoire of drawings is indeed large.”

Another recent release tracks the journey of India’s most recognized female artist of her era. ‘Anjolie Ela Menon: Through the Patina’ (Pages: 342; Publisher: Vadehra Art Gallery; Price: Rs. 4,500) is a beautiful pictorial illustration and analysis of her rich oeuvre that spans over five and a half decades. Authored by by Isana Murty, incidentally the pen name for renowned defence analyst C Uday Bhaskar, the book contains informative essays on her evolution as an artist.

Another noteworthy release on prolific contemporary artist Paresh Maity, entitled ‘The World on a Canvas – A Visual Voyage’ (Hardback, 360 Color Pages; Publisher: Art Alive Gallery; Price: Rs 7500), maps the wonderful watercolorist’s enchanting artistic journey. Rightly termed a 'romantic' painter, he treats life and art as an endless celebration as described in the new publication that also features his drawings, watercolors, oils, mixed media works and sculptures.

Authored by Sharmila Tagore, the book peeps into his artistic realm on a canvas and beyond. It depicts how his path to success has been one full of hurdles and hardships. An accompanying note states: “Travels form an integral part of his life and undeniably lie at the heart of his art. An indefatigable traveler, he has traversed the continents, seeking inspiration from landscapes and monuments, from history and people, from cities and hamlets. His sojourns across India and abroad have shaped his palette; he has instinctively imbibed the essence of each place in his work.” Complementing this enriching visual journey are Nemai Ghosh’s beautiful portraits of the artist at work.