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Dharmesh Jadeja, a calligraphist and architect who lives in Auroville is the first artist of his ilk to be invited to be a part of the residency at the University of Sunderland in the United Kingdom. The university's faculty of design, media and culture has an International Centre for Research in Calligraphy where which has been exploring the links between the different cultures and researching deeper insights in to the calligraphy traditions of different cultures. It is mainly run by two Your browser may not support display of this image. well-known calligraphers and researchers in Europe, Ewan Clayton and Manny Ling. Dharmesh says, "I have been in touch with them regarding certain research work on Indian calligraphy." He adds, "I think my work is very much an exploration of myself and my search rather than the outward expression of any particular style or subject. Which is why in the last 20 years I've never held an exhibition and rather have always viewed calligraphy as a tool for self exploration." [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Sisters tie rakhis to their brothers today. But there are a few who also choose to tie rakhis to their wardrobes, dogs, trees, telephones and even to their bikes and cars. Bharat Bhatt, priest, explains the concept of tying rakhis to wardrobes, bikes and cars. He says, "In The Bhagvad Gita, there is a story wherein Goddess Laxmi had tied a rakhi to King Bali to ask him for protection and security." Bharat adds, "Your wardrobe, your car or your bike are all the symbols of Laxmi and hence many people in the city tie rakhis to these things. It is absolutely normal. These gestures also resonate the fact that Raksha Bandhan is an auspicious day." [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Almost six years ago, Maharani Gayatri Devi posed for a photo shoot to be used for possibly her last portrait made by Jaideep Merhotra. "She was very reluctant to get any of her portraits made. And even I don't do portraits, so I was reluctant as well. But Maureen Wadia convinced both the parties to get this portrait made," recalls Jaideep. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Folks in your mother's generation (50 plus) might say that a simple thread is enough to say that 'you care'. But for today's youngsters, that thought is giving way to a more 'colourful' alternative. After Hrs scoured the markets to find out what is available and where. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It would be very hard for people living in a metropolis, or any hospitable part of the country for that matter to even imagine doing this - toiling for almost two hours to get a glass of portable water. But this is a reality that our soldiers in Siachen, a zone that faces temperature of minus 50 degree celsius have to go through almost everyday. Artist Baptist Coelho has captured this and various other nuances of living and surviving in these bone chilling temperature in his art project titled 'You Can't Afford to Have Emotions Out There.' [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This week will host many exhibitions, but there are two art exhibitions that are definitely worth checking out. The first among the two is an exhibition by artist Rekha Shivadasani. Her exhibition titled Tapaha or Tapasya will be shown at the Museum Art gallery. She has been experimenting with textures. Her style is a blend of semi-abstract forms and empty spaces interrupted with the reticulate venation akin to a leaf that symbolises her harmony with nature. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

One of the best features of contemporary art is to bring about social change and educate people about certain issues through it. Artistes Justin Ponmany, Prajakta Potnis, Sharmila Samant, Uday Shanbhag along with Tushar Joag have set out to do just that. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

For renowned photographer Vikram Bawa, this year has been rewarding. He has already bagged two prestigious international awards as well as four nominations for his photographs. Vikram confirms saying, "In an award called 'Pix3' that is held in France every year, I won the 3rd prize in the category of 'best automotive campaign' for the pictures I shot for Skoda and I also bagged the 3rd place for 'best fashion campaign' for photographs taken for the jewelry brand TBZ." [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The city has some really talented kids who excel in the field of art. And now, they can display their works all year long at an art space allotted to them at ileap education institute in Juhu. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Another art camp at Le Royal Meridien kick-started today and while it has a very interesting mix of 16 artists, each artist is doing something that will definitely get the art lovers intrigued and interested. As Vibhu Kapoor, the curator of the camp says, "The artists have only been asked to experiment and create something that they don't create in the studio space. They are free to do what they want." [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Architects Smita Khanna and Swati Salgaocar share a common interest and that is of material exploration. They have developed a new sheet material composed of polyester resin embedded with a variety of natural materials. And a series of objects, furniture pieces created by using this material will be displayed at the ICIA (Institute of Contemporary Indian Art) from July 27 to 31. Swati says, "This material is customizable in terms of its processing, dimensions, colour and aesthetic patterning and can be used in a variety of architectural applications. The properties of this homogenous, composite material are identical to polyester resin, with the aesthetic component of layered patterns formed by embedded natural materials. The material is waterproof and suitable for all indoor applications as well as outdoor applications that are not exposed to direct sunlight." [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

36 of the best contemporary artists in India got a taste of the Tihar jail recently. Artists Rameshwar Broota, Gigi Scaria, Baiju Parhan, TV Santosh, Riyaz Komu, Jehangir Jani, Sanjeev Khandekar, Mithu Sen among others were taken to visit Tihar jail for a day and they created art works that intrigued their thoughts while in the prison. These artists' works, along with the art works of the inmates of jail will be exhibited in an exhibition in Delhi from August 12 till September. It is a charity exhibition and the funds from the exhibition will go to promoting art in jail inmates. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

d_riddhi@dnaindia.net [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Indian art fraternity is hooked onto social networking websites like Facebook and has taken furiously to blogging. Some like artist Chintan Upadhyay had built a keen interest on his art project Khatti Mithi on Facebook almost a month before its actual opening. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Bose Krishnamachari, Yash Birla and Devaunshi Mehta are opening a new art space in Mumbai which will be called BMB. The new art space that will be located in Fort, just below Prescott Chemould art gallery, will open in September. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Photographer and film-maker Benoy Behl has spent 28 years researching Buddhism and Indian heritage. He works in close association with UNESCO and finds a place of repute in the Limca Book of records for visiting every corner of India and taking 30,000 pictures of Indian heritage. For his ongoing research on Buddhism and Buddhist heritage he has left for Siberia recently and in 2010, plans to go to his two final destinations - Afghanistan and Pakistan. Benoy says, "I have been to all places in the world where there are Buddhist heritage sites and this includes Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, Bhutan, China and Tibet among others." He adds, "And after going to Afghanistan and Pakistan I would have completed my comprehensive research on Buddhist heritage." [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The humble auditorium of National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) was filled to the brim with the who's who of the art world. The occasion was the condolence meeting of the great master Tyeb Mehta. Eight days after his death, friends, contemporaries and his students gathered to share their fond memories of Mehta and also shared a few secrets of the veteran artists. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

If you have lived in Mumbai for some time and the terrorist attacks and incidences of robbery, rape and murder set your alarm bells ringing, chances are you might have taken the time to do something about your personal security. While most of us just shrug it off thinking, 'This will not happen to me,' there are a few that have taken efforts to help people to put up a fight. Martial art forms, from various parts of the world taught in Mumbai also help tackle our fitness problems. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this time of economic slow down, one man who is doing considerably well at the auctions is - no, not any particular artist - rather it's our very dear Mahatma Gandhi. In a span of almost six months, three major International auction houses have put forth Gandhi's memorabilia and all of them have created a lot of buzz internationally. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It is artist Vidya Kamat's creativity that will bring Draupadi of the Mahabharata alive in an upcoming art show that will showcase works of eight prominent women artists. In a thought provoking installation Vidya Kamat tries to make people aware of the humiliation Draupadi faced centuries ago when Pandavas lost her in the game of dice. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Here comes another treasure of Indian heritage. A rare gold Indian miniature bracelet dating back to the year 1850 will be going under the hammer on July 16. The detailed painting on the bracelet depicts a scene from the Mughal durbar of Emperor Akbar II. Describing the intricacies of the bracelet, a representative from Sotheby's says, "The Royal procession includes elephants carrying the Royal insignia and infantry. Painted on ivory, within gold repoussé work frames, to a wide band of circular linking, the length of the painting is approximately 177mm." [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

"Over time art has somehow seemed to have found favour only with the rich; it has a snob-value and so I wanted to do something that breaks free from this phenomenon," explains gallerist Priyasri Patodia. In a move taken by citizens' group The Rotary Club of Bombay - she has managed to set up an art and culture promotion cell to help kids of the 'not-so-affluent-class' learn more about the field. The aim is to explore art as a career option. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Did you know that the great Indian artist FN Souza would visit dance bars often? Yes, many say that he would do that as the atmosphere in the bar would inspire a thought process which was then translated onto his canvas. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

For a few years now, the Indian art market has been creating waves in China. There are a host of Indian artists like Jitish Kalat, TV Santosh and also Subodh Gupta whose works are now quite popular in China. Two years ago at the Shanghai art fair, it was Ravinder Reddy's big faces that made for the opening art work at the Shanghai art fair bagging the prestigious responsibility of impressing the visitors as soon as they enter the Shanghai fair. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

When MF Husain invited "old friend" Tyeb Mehta for the opening show of his exhibition in London in 2006, a frail and ailing master made sure that he attended it. "I was really touched," Husain told DNA from London. Mehta came even though he was almost "bed-ridden", he said. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This one is for all the books freaks. The first and the original ink paper drawing, illustration of the iconic character - Harry Potter with his pet Hedwig which is signed by JK Rowling is going under the hammer on July 14. The note on Thomas Taylor's illustration reads 'For Thomas Taylor, With thanks for producing the Perfect Harry,' undersigned - JK Rowling. And this one is expected to go under the hammer for about Rs7 lac. Along with the illustration, you can also bid for a set of Harry Potter books signed by respective publishers. And this set of books is estimated at Rs2 lac. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Tyeb Mehta, the art maestro who passed away early last morning from a cardiac arrest, was born in the small town of Kapadvanj, Gujarat, in 1925. Arun Vadhera, a close friend and the man who handled all of Tyeb's art correspondence as his only gallerist, says, "Tyeb was ill for a very long time. He underwent a bypass surgery twenty years ago and given his age (84), he used to be in and out of hospital often." [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

TV Santosh's art has made top sales in most auctions. His 'dark' works are usually inspired from terror, history of war and also political intervention. In September/October, Santosh will be ready with his new works for his solo exhibition in New York. However, what's interesting to note is that one of the works at this exhibition takes its inspiration from Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief, Velupillai Prabhakaran. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Px3 is one of the prestigious photography awards of Europe which invites participants from all across the world in various categories and awards prizes to the most deserving participant entry. This year, 27 year old Ashita Majumdar bagged the third prize in the category of self-portraiture. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

After Hrs asked four young, upcoming artists to showcase their creativity on umbrellas. When they came together, it was an eclectic mix of ideas, thoughts and colours... [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Renowned photographer, Ketaki Sheth is one photographer who still resists digital images and continues to work with black and white chemistry and silver gelatin prints. Between 1988 to 1990, she has shot many a film stars including Rekha, Shatrughan Sinha, Meenakshi Seshadri, Dimple, Bappi Lahiri with his then 10 year old daughter, producer/directors like Yash Chopra and also vintage stars like Dilip Kumar and even yesteryear stars like Zubeida (actor of the movie Alam Ara, the first Indian talkie), Goharbai and a few others. These pictures have been termed as 'green room' pictures by art writer Gayatri Sinha. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Although Mumbaiites eagerly await the opening of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, there are a few with fears that the sea link will take away one of their favourite hang out place - the Bandra Reclamation. It is anticipated that once the sea link is open for motorists, Bandra Reclamation will lose its present quiet and peace taking away yet another lovers' spot from the city. Youngsters and couples speak out... [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Right behind the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai, in a quiet lane of Colaba, lives Carmel Berkson (85). Carmel is a sculptor who has made it her life's mission to encourage young artists to connect with traditional Indian sculptures. "Back in the 1970's I came to India though I really didn't want to at the time. I went around Delhi to check out a few museums and my ego kept making me believe that all the traditional sculptures that I had seen there were easy to create, and didn't need too much of time to spend learning. After two weeks of going around, I realised that Indian sculptures are fantastic and subtle - and two weeks in India became four weeks and I kept going around the country to check out more sculptures. I have seen all the temples in India." [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It's raining new talent in the art world, like it always does during the monsoons. The three major art galleries in the city - Jehangir, Nehru art centre and Bajaj in keeping with their tradition are showcasing the works of fine art students from various colleges of Maharashtra. So this is the time to see some fresh work and spot young talent. Sandip Prabhakar of Bajaj art gallery says, "We have been having this show for the last 21 years now and these exhibition that promote students and other young artists are popularly known as 'monsoon shows'." He adds, "This time around we are having four different exhibitions to accommodate about 70 artists from different colleges of the state." The other huge on-going exhibition of students is on at the Nehru Art Centre till June 30, followed by an exhibition of art works of emerging artists. Nina Rege from the Nehru Art Centre says, "We have been having these exhibitions for 17 years now and it always attracts a great response. Students send in their bio-datas and their works to us and our selection committees choose the best ones that are displayed in this annual exhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

There aren't as many art shows happening in the city or with half as much success as previous years, but not many artists seem to be complaining. Most are in fact using their time off to travel, read books even introspect - something they say was a luxury they could ill afford some time back. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This weekend, the weatherman predicts rain, so why not head to a cool getaway? [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Britishers have influenced Mumbai in many ways. And an extensive two-and-a-half-years-long design research by professors Anuradha Mathur and Dilip da Cunha, members of the faculty at the School of Design, University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, claim that the Britishers have also influenced the way we perceive Mumbai to be and especially the much talked about Mithi river. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It's a melodious coincidence. Just days before World Music Day (which is today), one of MF Husain's works has gone for a whopping Rs 3.1 crore at a Christie's auction. What makes it special is that the painting is from Husain's famous Raagmala series. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The recent art auction results of Indian art at Saffronart and Sotheby's shows an upward turn in the Indian art market. Art experts believe that when India's economy became slow the prices of modern art declined by 20% to 50% whereas the prices of contemporary art declined from 50% to 80%. Compared to these figures the recent auction shows some appreciation in the prices. Dinesh Vazirani of Saffronart says, "While the moderns' prices have gone up by 20% to 30% the prices of the art works of the contemporaries have appreciated to 10% to 15%." Dinesh points out that while it is a good time to buy art works, buyers must make sure that they do not get back to a frenzy and craze of buying that would just probably make the art market as crazy as it was during the time of appreciation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Artist Manoj Kumar Sokale gives a different aspect to his art. In his works he uses a collage of newspapers juxtaposed with his paintings. He picks up lines from newspapers that relate to his art works and through these he communicates the message that he wants to. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Here is an opportunity to view some of the best Nepalese art in Mumbai. Through Asha Raje Gaekwad's Gaekwad Art Foundation, Nepalese artists are showcasing their works at Jehangir Art Gallery till June 24. Talking about this exhibition Asha Raje says, "All the four artists namely - Kiran Manandhar, Uma Shankar Shah, Dr Seema Shah and Manish Lal Shrestha are four versatile artists who have created different kinds of works." She adds, "While Uma Shankar's works are spiritual, Kiran etches his works, Manish approach to the canvas is more of contemporary-modern and Seema's works are also spiritual." [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The first art camp of this season, though it has happened late, has an impressive line up of young artists in India. In its 12th year, the Oberoi art camp has this year 17 talented artists churning out two works each for the camp (which will finally be the hotel's property). And one of the reasons that has got these names-to-be-reckoned-with under one roof is the recession! Vibhu Raj Kapoor, the curator of the camp says, "I will have to admit that. The artists are kind of free in this time of recession and hence have the time to participate in camps." He laughs, "If only for this reason, the recession ought to last a little longer!" Artist Pooja Iranna explains,"There are not too many shows happening and hence artists like me want to spend more time in creating quality art works. So here we are, all together. It will be a delight to hang around with my contemporaries and see them work from up close." [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Meet Queen Harish, a drag queen from Jaisalmer who has shown his graceful dancing moves, especially his belly dancing moves, all around the world. He has walked the ramp for designer duo Lecoanet Hemant with Priya Chatwal. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Here is one visual art festival for Mumbaites and Delhites. Osian's will be hosting a week long art festival from June 26 to July 1 that will showcase a few of the prized possessions from its collection. The exhibition at the Jehangir Art Gallery includes Japanese samurai art, Tibetan thangkas, Rajasthani and Pahari miniatures, world film memorabilia and political propaganda. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It's a saas-bahu story with a difference. Of course, they aren't your ordinary saas-bahu in any case. Asha Raje Gaekwad of the Baroda royal family and her daughter-in-law Praggyashree have found a common cause - the promotion of Nepalese artists who have never been able to exhibit their talent where it matters. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Nagpur-based artist, Valay Shende won much acclaim for his works displayed at the Arco Madrid fair and the Dubai art fair which were held some time ago. The young artist has made some moving works that are inspired from problems faced by human beings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Have you ever wished you could watch mermaids in action? Well, here is your chance, although the subjects in question are not real mermaids. Stickilas Valeana and Sinynyova Veronica - two Russian beauties are in town to show us some of their dancing skills. What is unique is that they dance under-water. They can hold their breath under water for as long as 15 minutes and while under the water they move gracefully. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It is indeed interesting to take a look at Camlin's art collection over the past 40 years. From the likes of artists like MF Husain, Bikash Bhattacharya, NS Bendre and Krishen Khanna - all of them have created works of art for the company as a gesture of thanks. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Recession has trickled down to the streets of Mumbai as well. The 'easy on pocket' street shopping venues in Mumbai have cut down prices by at least 30% and yet the sellers complain that the business is 40% slower as compared to last summer. Munnabhai who has been selling accessories at Colaba Causeway for the last 10 years says, "Almost all the sellers in Causeway have brought down their prices. Last year the earrings that I sold for Rs150, this time around I am compelled to sell them for Rs100." Muddasir Ali who sells singlets and T-shirts at Causeway says, "People are bargaining like never before. I was selling singlets at the price of Rs100 till about 6 months ago and now I am selling it for Rs75." Spectacle frames and antique watch seller Hazrat Ali echoes the sentiment, "If I got 10 customers last summer, this time I can boast of only five to six. All of us have become more open to bargaining but business is slow." [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Before he set sail for England, where he was to get a peerage and a listing on the country's 'Rich List', Sir Gulam Noon had a modest address on Mohammad Ali Road. It was a one-hall-kitchen house where he lived with his mother, brothers and sisters. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]