A short course in Categories in Art (posted earlier here, here & here) early this year has left me with a slightly accentuated sense of “works” of art, “artists” and “forms”. It also made me think about what art is and examine why some claim an exclusive “understanding” of art whereas each one of us … Continue reading Why Interpret Art?
Tag: Art
Not sexy enough! Cultural encounters on the cricket field
As long as IPL was about a new format of cricket, entertainment and advertising, it was predictable and of minor interest to me. But I was hooked yesterday when I saw this fascinating encounter of the regular pompom wielding cheer girls of Chennai Super Kings with the elegantly attired (and beautiful) girls performing bharatanatyam-lavani blend ! That is a new battle field opening up … Continue reading Not sexy enough! Cultural encounters on the cricket field
Music and perception
An effect of pursuing liberal arts is that one's mind is no more disengaged with the heart. (yes, that typical problem with modern education). Pursuit of any form of art or art itself as an experience, as a conscious consumption works as a bridge between the left and the right brained orientations that psychology talks … Continue reading Music and perception
On Art, Art Criticism & Art History
How often are we conscious of using words like art, craft, art criticism, art history, artisan and artist ? These words are used interchangeably in common language or at times in conjunction, like 'art and craft'. How does one distinguish one from the other? Is there a difference? These are simpler questions emerging from a … Continue reading On Art, Art Criticism & Art History
Categories of Art (4): The Colossal Leap – Of a Hero & Of Imagination
With his head then held so high Gained he size for task on hand. Sundar Kand! That is where I had first heard of Hanuman’s colossal leap across the ocean to Ravana’s Lanka. In this part of the epic – Ramayana, Hanuman prepares for traveling across the ocean to Lanka where Ravana has kept Sita … Continue reading Categories of Art (4): The Colossal Leap – Of a Hero & Of Imagination
Categories of Art (3) : A Thousand Splendid Versions – On Ramayana & Sita Sings the Blues
Being familiar with the epic and having grown up watching it on TV in the 1990s (Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana tele-series) the first reaction to Sita Sings the Blues (SSTB) was of amusement. Here was something fresh in its colours, ideas and presentation and which didn’t preach, in fact it enquired! Also, that the shadow puppets- … Continue reading Categories of Art (3) : A Thousand Splendid Versions – On Ramayana & Sita Sings the Blues
Categories of Art (2) – Defining words
Here is an exercise I am doing this morning in an art course that I have picked. Instructor's guidelines: Write one sentence in English that uses the following words. Use the words in a way that feels familiar. The sentence should incorporate what you see as the meaning of art, class, culture .... ONLY ONE … Continue reading Categories of Art (2) – Defining words
Categories of Art (1) – Primitive, Classical, Vernacular, Modern, Contemporary and More
Categories of Art is a 6 months course in arts that I begin this month. My earlier training is in biotechnology and that has always left me feeling a bit deficient in my understanding of arts. This course as I see it might help me in identifying and articulating my perception and experience of art … Continue reading Categories of Art (1) – Primitive, Classical, Vernacular, Modern, Contemporary and More
Contested Realities 