Central News Hub

Category: Arts & Culture

  • From Smart Homes to Sensory Homes

    From Smart Homes to Sensory Homes

    The premise does seem like it is right out of The Matrix and very Metaverse-ish, but it becomes obvious that in the next few years, we will all live in residences that offer such augmented ambiences…reports Asian Lite News

    As you can tell, the last decade has been a game-changer in how we perceive reality. Smart tech and new media have impacted every facet of our lives, especially how we communicate and consume content. However, apart from smart home technology, in the field of architecture, we have underestimated how multimedia immersive experiences will alter the way we navigate built environments.

    Abhimanyu Chopra, Founder of Chopra’s Designs, has built his expertise in Experiential Design and would like to educate the readers on The Power of Experiential Design in Transforming Home Interiors.

    The piece will delve into unveiling the transformative power of experiential design and how this innovative design approach redefines the way we interact with our living spaces. Using LED wall designs, projection lighting, motion-sensor technologies, and immersive audio lighting, it will demonstrate how emotionally striking aesthetics increase connections to one’s home by making it highly personalised.

    The premise does seem like it is right out of The Matrix and very Metaverse-ish, but it becomes obvious that in the next few years, we will all live in residences that offer such augmented ambiences.

    This idea of new-age design will entice H&D Trends readers and educate them on this emerging design trend.

    ALSO READ-Decor ideas for festive season

  • Chery Bahrain marks ‘Onam’ festival with key partnership

    Chery Bahrain marks ‘Onam’ festival with key partnership

    The event offered a range of activities including a major procession, as well as contests for fashion, cooking, flower carpet design, and drawing, with visitors winning several prizes…reports Asian Lite News

    In line with its commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s diverse communities, Chery Bahrain facilitated the smooth organization of ‘Onolsavam’, a festival held at Dana Mall to mark ‘Onam’, celebrated by Keralites worldwide every year. Chery Bahrain was the exclusive transportation partner for the event, providing services to celebrity TV anchors Jeeva Jospeh and Meenakshi Ravendran.

    Organised by Gulf Madhyamam, the event offered a range of activities including a major procession, as well as contests for fashion, cooking, flower carpet design, and drawing, with visitors winning several prizes.

    Motorcity Assistant General Manager, Saad Alzowayed, took part in the festivities. He commented: “We believe in the power of community engagement. Participating in events like ‘Onolsavam’ is not just about providing transportation services, it’s about building better relations and offering support to the diverse communities that enrich our Kingdom. We are proud to be a part of this event showcasing Bahrain’s cultural diversity.”

    In attendance were Motorcity Head of Sales, Sooraj Kumaran; Second Secretary of Indian Embassy Bahrain, Ravi Kumar Jain; actress and celebrity anchor, Meenakshi Raveendran; Regional Manager of Gulf Madhyamam Bahrain, Jaleel Abdulla; and Operational General Manager, Sajith T, in addition to several distinguished guests and senior officials from Lulu.

    ALSO READ: Hamdan Launches Dubai Economic Leadership Program

  • ‘History’s Angel’: A Profound Exploration of Contemporary India

    ‘History’s Angel’: A Profound Exploration of Contemporary India

    Hasan, who currently lives in Bangalore maintains that her relationship to Delhi and history is that of an enthusiast, that the layers of history in the Capital and the crassness of the city make for an interesting combination that comes together in Alif who feels a “warm, intimate hatred” for the place he has never left and is likely to never leave…writes Sukant Deepak

    It may explore the varied social and political tensions engulfing contemporary India. At multiple levels, it forces the reader to encounter her/his own biases and barbarity, but surprisingly the same is executed with almost heartbreaking delicacy, of prose that punctuates, characters you want to shake up in this powerful biography of our times. The tenderness in author Anjum Hasan’s ‘History’s Angel’ (Bloomsbury Publishing) is in fact sometimes more ‘brutal’ than what is in the background, what is engulfing the characters under the ‘history’ they stand beneath.

    But Hasan says it is important to remember that literature remains one of the last spaces where one can breathe, perhaps even smile, though novelists are not above getting shouty. 

    “I needed to create a character like Alif who is sympathetic and who can, however morosely and privately he does it, take the long view. As in the scene where a potential landlord is railing at him and his wife — he still wishes he could comfort the man for his sense of loss, his genuinely painful delusions about the great purity of the Indian past,” she tells.

    The story revolves around Alif Mohammad, a middle-aged, mild-mannered history teacher, living in contemporary Delhi, at a time in India’s history when Muslims are seen as either hapless victims or live threats. Though his life’s passion is the history he teaches, the present is pressing down on him: his wife is set on a bigger house and a better car while trying to ace her MBA exams; his teenage son wants to quit school to get rich; his supercilious colleagues are suspicious of his perorations; and his old friend Ganesh has just reconnected with a childhood sweetheart with whom Alif was always rather enamored himself.

    And then the unthinkable happens. While Alif is leading a school field trip, a student goads him and, in a fit of anger, Alif twists his ear. His job is suddenly on the line, and Alif finds his life rapidly descending into chaos. Meanwhile, his home city, too, darkens under the spreading shadow of violence.

    Now that is the easy/convenient reading of Hasan’s latest work. But Hasan could also have been Amit/Sukhwinder. 

    “I’m delighted you think so. It is a vindication of the novel to see Alif as an every man, at least an Indian every man,” the author asserts.

    Considering the protagonist is both a historian and someone caught in a difficult historical moment, she believed the play between those two things would be great material for a novel. It was also about exploring what innocence means — when we say regular folk is suffering or ordinary people have been brainwashed. 

    “I am not sure there is anything like absolute innocence in adults, at least not anyone with a modicum of education. What is the point of being educated if we let ourselves go down so easily? And so the novel is partly set in a school.”

    Hasan, who currently lives in Bangalore maintains that her relationship to Delhi and history is that of an enthusiast, that the layers of history in the Capital and the crassness of the city make for an interesting combination that comes together in Alif who feels a “warm, intimate hatred” for the place he has never left and is likely to never leave. 

    “I was also curious what it might be like to live in and feel at home in the walled city yet shrink from the stereotypes about grand Muslim culture often associated with it,” she adds.

    Alif does not really ‘act’ despite what happens to him constantly. One wonders if his inertia in fact his way of ‘acting’, and is he symbolic of the middle-class liberals? 

    “Yes, he is often ducking out or shuffling off, or keeping mum when we expect him to take a stand. Except, I would say, in that one critical scene when his father flies off the handle. Is this diffidence, even moral laziness, true of Indian middle-class liberals in general? Perhaps. When public life is humming along smoothly and everyone has their place in the sun, it seems fine to retreat into a life of the mind. But what if things are breaking down fast all around you? Is there a price to pay for doing nothing? Not sure, but I was trying to ask the question…”

    Someone who is a novelist, short-story writer, poet, and editor, insists that all of them do not come together in one work, and with difficulty in one person.

    Currently working on a non-fiction book on Shillong, the town she grew up in, the author, whose process is about trying to stick with writing every day adds, “In the next work, I have borrowed some things from fiction writing like character and plot, but essentially it is an attempt to write a past and present history of a fascinatingly, if unevenly and partially cosmopolitan city.”

    ALSO READ-Mahabharata: A spectacular retelling of the ancient Sanskrit epic, by Canada’s Why Not Theatre at Barbican London

  • Candlelight India’s Social Concert Experience

    Candlelight India’s Social Concert Experience

    Candlelight India will travel to Mumbai and Bangalore initially, with more cities in the pipeline this year. Candlelight India’s first concert will be at Mumbai’s Royal Opera House on October 13…reports Asian Lite News

    The team that brought the immersive, multimedia experience Van Gogh 360 to India, will now introduce Indian audiences to another wildly popular social experience, Candlelight India – concerts by candlelight.

    Concerts by candlelight as a concept invites a wider audience, who might never have considered attending a classical music concert, to take an interest in the most emblematic works of renowned pop artists and listen to their greatest hits in a different way.

    Candlelight India will travel to Mumbai and Bangalore initially, with more cities in the pipeline this year. Candlelight India’s first concert will be at Mumbai’s Royal Opera House on October 13.

    “Indian audiences have a voracious appetite for entertainment across culture, art, music and IPs such as Candlelight India – concerts by candlelight – is going to quickly become one of those must-do activities, just like Van Gogh 360°,” says Roma Makkad, spokesperson Festival House India. “It combines what people love with something new, and we are excited to take this to cities across India,” she adds.

    What is special about concerts by candlelight?

    Around the world, such concerts have included tributes to iconic artists as well as programmes devoted to K-Pop, film soundtracks and other themes. They can range from small, intimate gatherings to large-scale events in famous venues and landmarks that form part of a city’s cultural heritage, like the Royal Opera House in Mumbai.

    In India, Candlelight India concerts will pay tribute to iconic artists like Taylor Swift, QUEEN, Coldplay among others.

    Whether it’s Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story’, Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida,” Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ or ABBA’s ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’, a string quartet – swathed in the amber glow of hundreds of (flameless) candles – will deliver these fan favourites with a unique twist.

    This multisensory musical experience is as much about the sounds that are produced in the space as well as the visually stunning, architecturally beautiful buildings lit by candlelight. The ambient illumination creates an unrivaled atmosphere that breathes life into each venue. Bathed in the gentle flicker of candlelight, these settings become even more stunning.

    Imagined as a social experience to be enjoyed by all age groups, there are a few interesting features about candlelight concerts. There is no bar or merch stall at the venue. Pictures and videos are permitted before the concert begins and during a designated period during the concert. At all other times, you are expected to keep your phone away.

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  • Folk and Tribal Art Take Center Stage at ‘Indiyart’ Exhibition

    Folk and Tribal Art Take Center Stage at ‘Indiyart’ Exhibition

    Each of these art forms explores mythological themes and unique ways of storytelling and worship…reports Asian Lite News

    ‘Rooftop’, an online learning platform for live art workshops and professionally curated art courses will present ‘Indiyart’, an exhibition of folk and tribal art forms from across the country, from September 16 to 19 at Kalamkaar Gallery, Bikaner House, in the national capital.

    The exhibition will feature nine Indian art forms and participation by around 30 master artists from these forms.

    This is the online platform’s inaugural exhibition that will celebrate India’s rich cultural landscape traversing through the land of the simplistic beauty of Warli art to displaying the devotional art of ‘Mata ni Pachedi’ and travelling through the land of Nathdwara of Shrinathji and the tales of Pabuji from the West. It will also showcase the arts of Bhils and the Gonds, Madhubani paintings, and Cheriyal scrolls from Telangana.

    Each of these art forms explores mythological themes and unique ways of storytelling and worship.

    The art forms and artists include Bhuri Bai and Lado Bai for Bhil, Venkat Singh Shyam for Gond; D. Venkat Ramana and Malleshram Pausa for Cheriyal; Ambika Devi, Awdesh Kumar Karn, Dulari Devi, and Hema Devi for Madhubani; Kiran Chitara, Chandrakant Chitara, Kirit Chitara, and Satish Chitara for Mata ni Pachedi; Abhishek Joshi and Kalyan Joshi for Phad; Rajaram Sharma for Pichwai; Pravin Mhase, Anil Vangad, and Vijay Mhase for Warli

    The miniature painting from Rajasthan will have participation from seven different schools of miniature like Shammi Bannu and Asharam Meghwal from Jaipur School, Sampatraj Bochiya from Jodhpur School, Virendra Bannu from Deogarh School, Kushnarayan Jangid from Kishangarh School, Bhanwar Lal Kumawat from Mewar School, Mahaveer Swami from Bikaner School and Anandilal Sharma from Nathwada School.  

    Kartik Gaggar, Founder and CEO of Rooftop App, says, “Indiyart is our effort to showcase various folk and tribal arts under one platform. With this exhibition, we not only want to create awareness on the subject but also present the vivacity of the cultural amalgamation of our country.”

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  • House of Wisdom Launches Second Quarterly Book Club Series

    House of Wisdom Launches Second Quarterly Book Club Series

    The Book Club meetings feature dynamic workshops that push the boundaries of literary exploration…reports Asian Lite News

    Following the acclaimed debut early this year, the House of Wisdom (HoW) is launching the second edition of its quarterly Book Club series from September to November, during which three influential and widespread titles will be discussed to raise awareness of the environmental sustainability issues. The new edition will provide a platform for discussion and interaction on the impact of the environmental changes on our lives, and what actions we should take to maintain a clean and sustainable environment.

    Each month, the HoW Book Club has selected a “Book of the Month,” which is readily available to the public at HoW. Members are encouraged to embark on a literary odyssey, delving into the chosen book with enthusiasm and curiosity. At the end of the month, the Book Club meets to discuss the selected pieces, transforming the month’s reading into a communal and immersive experience.

    The Book Club meetings feature dynamic workshops that push the boundaries of literary exploration. Beyond exchanging ideas, participants are invited to embark on a creative journey through the world of non-fiction, refining their writing prowess along the way. These workshops, led by accomplished Dr. Nezar Andary, an Associate Professor, filmmaker, and cultural programmer, are designed to enhance participants’ writing skills while igniting their imaginative storytelling abilities. HoW invites interested community members to register via the following link https://linktr.ee/houseofwisdom.

    Environmental Protection

    For September, the House of Wisdom Book Club delves into Rachel Carson’s ‘Silent Spring,’ a ground-breaking work that has served as a catalyst for raising ecological awareness. The author warns about the catastrophic consequences of widespread pesticide use, particularly DDT, on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The book’s findings raised public awareness of the significant risks that pollution poses to environmental sustainability. It remains a cornerstone of the modern environmental movement, calling for responsible coexistence between humanity and nature.

    Identity vs. Nature

    Throughout October, the Book Club will highlight Ursula K. Le Guin’s ‘A Wizard of Earthsea,’ a fantasy masterpiece that transcends generations. Le Guin’s enchanting narrative invites readers to embark on a journey through the mythical archipelago of Earthsea, unravelling the complexities of power, identity, and the delicate balance of nature. With its innovative and unusual narrative style, this wonderful novel of exciting and interesting adventures received wide acclaim and spread throughout the world.

    Exploring the Boundaries of Identity

    The November Book Club proceeds with the quest for thought-provoking literature and takes readers on a captivating journey into the mystical Sahara Desert with our selected book, ‘The Bleeding of the Stone’ by Ibrahim Al-Koni. This mesmerising novel delves deep into the harsh and enigmatic world of the desert, where the lives of nomadic Tuareg tribesmen intersect with the unforgiving landscape. The novel delves further into the themes of tradition, spirituality, and the enduring connection between humans and nature.

    Nurturing a passion for written word

    Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of House of Wisdom, highlighted the significance of book clubs in nurturing a passion for the written word, saying, “Bringing all people together through the power of knowledge and culture is always at the heart of what we do at House of Wisdom. This is achieved through book clubs which are not just gatherings, but also a testament to our commitment to cultivating the culture of reading and promoting intellectual dialogue. In these clubs, diverse minds converge, share ideas, and explore worlds within the pages of books.”

    She added: “Through these initiatives, we connect various cultures, generations, and backgrounds to one another, and thus enrich our community with treasures of literature. We rather promote HoW as a beacon of knowledge and culture, as well as a platform for addressing issues of interest like sustainability and environment.”

    The Book Club series is an engaging initiative that has made a profound impact on the community by bringing enthusiasts and bookworms together. The series, which was held in March, April and May of this year, captured the minds of avid readers and knowledge seekers in Sharjah through ‘Invisible Cities’ by Italo Calvino, ‘Siddhartha’ by Hermann Hesse and the English translation of ‘Gilgamesh’ by Sophus Helle.

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  • Picasso Masterpiece Makes Debut in UAE on World Tour

    Picasso Masterpiece Makes Debut in UAE on World Tour

    No Picasso work of comparable significance from 1932 has appeared on the auction market since 2010 when ‘Nude, Green Leaves and Bust’ from the estate of Mrs. Sidney F Brody established a new record price for any artwork sold at auction…reports Asian Lite News

    “It is a remarkable privilege to debut this masterpiece, created by one of the world’s most celebrated and cherished artists, right here in the UAE as the inaugural stop on its global tour. Representing one of the paramount achievements in modern art ever presented at auction, this artwork perfectly embodies our commitment to enriching the region with the finest in art and culture.

    In 2020, we showcased a painting by Botticelli, valued at over $80 million, making headlines as the highest-value painting ever brought to the Middle East by an auction house. Since then, we have continued to exhibit exceptional works by luminaries such as Boetti, Kandinsky, Warhol, and more. The unveiling of this Picasso masterpiece in Dubai will surpass the record set by the Botticelli and stands as the first-ever exhibition of such a caliber by the artist in the UAE.

    “Emily Fisher Landau’s initial major acquisition, Picasso’s ‘Femme à la Montre,’ stands as a masterpiece by all measures. Painted in 1932, Picasso’s ‘annus mirabilis,’ it exudes both joyous, impassioned spontaneity and meticulous resolution. Its vivid primary colors resonate from the canvas, which stands at an impressive five feet tall. This Picasso work is not only a standout from a pivotal year but also an unequivocal masterpiece in the narrative of Western art,” said Julian Dawes, Sotheby’s Head of Impressionist & Modern Art, Americas.

    Emily Fisher Landau, who acquired this painting in 1968 at the outset of her collecting journey, made a bold move as a fledgling collector. Recognizing the significance of this work, she acquired it on the spot from Pace Gallery, and it remained the centerpiece of her collection for over five decades, prominently displayed above her New York home’s mantelpiece.

    The painting’s importance in Picasso’s body of work cannot be overstated. Depicting Marie-Thérèse Walter, the artist’s ‘golden muse’ and the subject of many of his most acclaimed portraits, it dates back to 1932, a year of such significance that it was the focus of an entire museum exhibition at Tate Modern and Musée Picasso Paris in 2018.

    What sets this painting apart is the prominent watch adorning Marie-Thérèse’s wrist. Among Picasso’s extensive body of work, only three paintings, including this one, feature a watch, underscoring the artist’s profound fascination with exceptional timepieces. Picasso owned three of the world’s most exquisite watches, including Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Patek Philippe. In this artwork, Marie-Thérèse wears one of these cherished timepieces, while also alluding to the centuries-old tradition of Vanitas painting, which underscores the ephemeral nature of love and life.

    The legendary story of Picasso’s first encounter with Marie-Thérèse and their secret love affair is well-known. They initially crossed paths outside Galeries Lafayette in Paris in 1927, marking the beginning of a passionate yet concealed relationship. Picasso painted ‘Femme à la Montre’ in August, shortly after the conclusion of his first large-scale retrospective. In this moment, free from the exhibition’s pressures and the secrecy surrounding their relationship, he could fully express his love for Marie-Thérèse through his art.

    No Picasso work of comparable significance from 1932 has appeared on the auction market since 2010 when ‘Nude, Green Leaves and Bust’ from the estate of Mrs. Sidney F Brody established a new record price for any artwork sold at auction.

    The record for the highest price ever achieved for a Picasso artwork at auction stands at $179 million, achieved in 2015.

    EMILY FISHER LANDAU: LIFE AND LEGACY

    Born in 1920 and raised in Upper Manhattan, Emily Fisher Landau had a lifelong passion for art. Her art collection began in 1968 with the acquisition of an Alexander Calder mobile, which she ingeniously displayed above her bathtub. Unfortunately, in the following year, her apartment was robbed by armed individuals disguised as air conditioning repairmen, resulting in the loss of numerous valuable jewels. Despite the setback, Mrs. Fisher Landau used the insurance payout to swiftly replace her jewels with art, acquiring significant works by Modern masters such as Henri Matisse, Piet Mondrian, Paul Klee, and more. She also immersed herself in the vibrant New York art scene, forming relationships with influential artists like Louise Nevelson, Robert Rauschenberg, Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol, and others. She visited their studios, engaged with their work, and collected pieces that resonated most strongly with her intuitive eye.

    This autumn, following a series of international exhibitions showcasing the exceptional range and quality of her collection, approximately 120 outstanding works, with an estimated value exceeding $400 million, will be offered at auction by Sotheby’s in New York. These auctions, taking place on November 8th and 9th, are expected to be historic moments in the art market.

    DUBAI UNVEILING & PUBLIC EXHIBITION DETAILS

    The public exhibition will be held at Level 1, Gate Village Building 3, Dubai International Financial Centre, UAE, on September 25th (2 – 5pm) and September 26th (10am – 7pm). Prior to the public exhibition, a press unveiling for correspondents, film crews, and photographers will take place at 11am on Monday, September 25th. Interviews will be available with Katia Nounou-Bouiez (Head of Sotheby’s UAE) and Julian Dawes (Sotheby’s Head of Impressionist & Modern Art, Americas), both traveling to Dubai from New York for the occasion.”

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  • UAE Ministry of Economy Official Launches Dr. Nidal Abou Zaki’s Book on Smart Cities in Dubai

    UAE Ministry of Economy Official Launches Dr. Nidal Abou Zaki’s Book on Smart Cities in Dubai

    The book highlights the growing significance of cities as urban centres that keep up with accelerating changes related to digital advancement and artificial intelligence…reports Asian Lite News

    In the presence of H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy in the UAE, the Lebanese Business Council in Dubai and Northern Emirates organised a signing ceremony to launch the latest book of Dr. Nidal Abou Zaki, Founder and Managing Director of Orient Planet Group, titled ‘Smart Cities in the Arab World and their Socio-Economic Impact.’

    The launch of the new book was held at Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in the presence of distinguished guests – including Maha Al Gargawi, Executive Director of Business Advocacy at Dubai Chambers, and Charles Jeha, President of the Lebanese Business Council in Dubai and Northern Emirates, among other dignitaries and businessmen.

    The book highlights the growing significance of cities as urban centres that keep up with accelerating changes related to digital advancement and artificial intelligence. It also sheds light on successful Arab smart city models and experiences. The book delves into the future of Arab smart cities, underlining extraordinary experiences, technology, and tactics applied in labour and infrastructure systems. It also looks at some of the ambitious efforts being made across the Arab world to construct new cities based on the notion of smart cities.

    H.E. Abdulla Al Saleh said: “The book’s release coincides with the Arab region’s accelerating pace of smart transformation, particularly in the GCC countries and the growing reliance on technologies and its applications to advance economic and social development. The UAE has made tremendous progress in comprehensive digital transformation, making qualitative leaps in the information technology and digital transformation sectors to consolidate its leading position, further shaping the future based on advanced technology supported by artificial intelligence and smart cities, and lay the foundations of a knowledge economy that achieves development. A sustainable and smart city has the potential to ensure societal well-being.”

    Charles Jeha, President of the Lebanese Business Council in Dubai and Northern Emirates, said: “The book highlights smart transformation projects and experiences in prominent Arab cities. It examines the challenges and opportunities that Arab cities face as they strive to become smart and sustainable cities. Among the Arab world, the UAE model is one of the most successful in terms of smart transformation. It is regarded as one of the top countries in terms of implementing smart practises in different facets of daily life.”

    Dr. Abou Zaki said: “While writing this book, I placed a strong emphasis on highlighting the intricate connections between technology, society, and the economy. I underscored the significance of harnessing the power of data, artificial intelligence, and sustainable approaches in the creation of smart cities, as we now live in a new phase of digital transformation. We are witnessing a major shift towards transforming entire cities into smart, sustainable ones based on the latest ICT technologies. The book further emphasises the importance of cooperation and partnerships among governments, institutions, and society in accomplishing these objectives.”

    “Smart cities are key drivers of long-term sustainable growth. They help in increasing resource efficiency by leveraging latest digital technologies and advanced data analytics to deliver high-quality services that boost economic growth, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. I believe that this book will offer motivation and will inspire collaborative efforts towards the creation of smart cities and the promotion of economic and social development in our society,” Dr. Abou Zaki added.

    The signing ceremony served as an ideal forum to discuss the relevance of smart transformation and city development in the Arab world. The book is expected to be internationally appreciated and to serve as a roadmap for initiatives in the region to construct smart and sustainable cities. The event also allowed attendees and others interested in this sector to share ideas and skills on how to achieve sustainable and smart development across the Arab world.

    Dr. Abou Zaki published his first book, ‘The Future Gulf – Economic Challenges and Opportunities in the Post Oil Era,’ in 2018, in which he provided a comprehensive analysis of economy of the Gulf Cooperation Council since the beginning of the oil era, the stages of economic development, and its implications across the region. He further gave an insight on current economic variables, results of which can be seen in the transition to a more diverse and balanced economy, which offers the private sector a stronger role in job creation, economic stimulus and technical advancement towards a knowledge economy.

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  • Sabyasachi Unveils ‘Namaste Mickey’ Artwork

    Sabyasachi Unveils ‘Namaste Mickey’ Artwork

    ‘Namaste Mickey’ is conceptualised by Mukherjee and hand painted by the Sabyasachi Art Foundation…reports Asian Lite News

    India’s leading fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee has unveiled an art piece that pays tribute to the iconic and beloved Mickey Mouse, as part of Create 100.

    Create 100 is a global celebration of creativity marking 100 years of Disney storytelling. Inspired by their personal connection to stories and characters across Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and 20th Century, Create 100 sees some of the world’s most renowned creative visionaries and next-generation talent across fashion, music, art and more who donating artworks, items, and experiences to benefit Make-A-Wish®.

    Mukherjee is celebrated for his distinctly modern take on traditional Indian clothing. The ace Indian fashion designer from Calcutta joins a collective of some of the world’s most esteemed creative legends who are coming together to benefit Make-A-Wish®.

    Here is a look at the creator and the story behind his artwork:

    Namaste Mickey

    ‘Namaste Mickey’ is conceptualised by Mukherjee and hand painted by the Sabyasachi Art Foundation. The painting is made using earth colours in Tempera and digitally transferred onto handwoven cotton and embroidered using multi-media techniques. It’s appliqued and collaged with hand-embroidered textiles and metal detailing from the ateliers of Sabyasachi. The artwork is framed with embroidered textiles on hard oak wood.

    Said Sabyasachi, “I was born in 1974, a time devoid of the internet where television was the sole medium of entertainment. I used to eagerly rush home to catch episodes of Disney’s Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. It fills me with immense excitement to be part of Create 100, representing India alongside so many talented creators. I’m so happy to be collaborating with Disney which has brought boundless joy to audiences worldwide for a century.”

    Speaking about the inspiration behind his artwork, he added, “My creation, known as ‘Namaste Mickey,’ draws inspiration from India’s rich tapestry of traditional and miniature paintings. Crafted by the Sabyasachi Art Foundation, it begins with a digital print on handmade canvas, then adorned with the age-old, intricate embroidery techniques of India. This has resulted in a contemporary collector’s piece. In the artwork, Mickey Mouse dons traditional Indian attire and jewellery, set against the backdrop of the iconic Taj Mahal, surrounded by India’s captivating flora and fauna. This rendition weaves together the mystique of both East and West, creating a truly magical interpretation of the most beloved character, Mickey Mouse.

    “As I represent India, I want to take the opportunity to encourage everyone in the creative industry to continue to inspire and be inspired, and be part of positive changes around the world.”

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  • ‘The Music Within’ Set to Dazzle South Korean, Mumbai, and Turkish Art Fairs

    ‘The Music Within’ Set to Dazzle South Korean, Mumbai, and Turkish Art Fairs

    The artist, who after passing out from Government College of Art, Chandigarh, has been teaching at NIIFT, Mohali, and held positions, including that of Secretary Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi and Vice-Chairman of Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi, feels art education in Indian institutes need to undergo a drastic change…writes Sukant Deepak

    Several unfinished works are on different easels. Between never-ending cups of green tea, he says there are too many deadlines to be met.

    National award-winning artist Madan Lal, whose work will be showcased at the South Korean Art fair, then Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai and then Turkey, says, “When you explore and work on different themes in a short frame of time, artistic sensibilities sharpen. Certain things emerge that you never thought lived inside you. Of course, there is a thin line between chaos and a collage.”

    His work ‘The Music Within’, a 25X25 acrylic on canvas, which will be part of the art fair is a yearning to discover sounds in concrete landscapes market by geometrical shapes. The work has a gramophone, concrete, and elements of nature — portraying a complete balance. 

    Lal hails from a rural area but has been living in the city for decades. However, one can easily see the nostalgia and melancholy associated with village life in his work.

    “No matter how aesthetic the city is, one always feels a certain nehmat missing, right? This is especially true when you have lived in a rural area. Out there, there is a deep connection with the land. In urban life, paths have already been created, you just walk on them — there is a little adventure in every sense of the word. Here, one is forever looking for that gap to be filled. In my case, I have tried to do it through these series,” says the artist, who has always worked in series and works in Chandigarh.

    The artist, who after passing out from Government College of Art, Chandigarh, has been teaching at NIIFT, Mohali, and held positions, including that of Secretary Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi and Vice-Chairman of Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi, feels art education in Indian institutes need to undergo a drastic change. 

    Stressing that the scope of what is taught is very limited, leaving students with little room for innovation, he says, “I see a rapid decline in quality as far as institutes are concerned. They may be reading about the masters, but it ends there. A place of learning has to inspire confidence and provide new learnings besides what is in the books. When I go abroad, I see young art graduates willing to take risks, and colleges encouraging them to experiment and not follow a linear trajectory. Out there, involvement in other art forms too is considered extremely important.”

    He also feels that institutes need to start inviting more artists as guest faculty and not just rely on their teachers. 

    “Instead of focussing on introducing semester systems, which leave little time for students to look at anything except theory, why not invite senior artists to share their experiences, gallerists, and those working with auction houses? What is wrong with preparing them for the real world early on?” asks the artist who has exhibited at the World Dubai Art Fair, POSK Gallery in London, Nehru Centre in London, Asian Art Gallery in the US, and in Sweden.

    Looking forward to his trip to Turkey in October, Lal, who is also a member of the Himachal Academy of Arts, Culture, and Languages, says international workshops are something he looks forward to. 

    “Be it in Egypt, Turkey, Macedonia, Dubai, Bosnia, or Serbia, they give you a chance to look at diverse approaches towards fine arts. There is so much learning about different cultures.”

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