In the complex political landscape of the Indian subcontinent in the 16th and 17th centuries, portraits did more than simply convey a likeness of the sitter. This talk, by Marika Sardar , Curator at the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto, will examine portraits of the monarchs and courtiers of the Deccan Sultanates of Central India, looking at how the backgrounds, clothing and various “props”included in the painting all served to reinforce a certain image of the person depicted.
Image Credit: Malik Ambar of Ahmednagar (c. 1605-1627); artist, Hashim, circa 1624-25; opaque watercolors and gold on paper; Victoria & Albert Museum collection, London, (IM.21-1925); Public Domain Art
SACHI, Society for Art & Cultural Heritage of India invites you to an illustrated talk by ceramic artist and Art journalist, Rahul Kumar.
This talk will give an overview of the contemporary ceramics in India, and dive deeper into a few select practices that have propelled the ancient clay tradition into a futuristic art form. Artists covered will include the masters who have influenced an entire generation of ceramists, and a few of the younger generation, including Rahul Kumar.
Image: Untitled, Ray Meeker
SACHI, Society for Art & Cultural Heritage of India Invites You to Join in a Celebration of Krishna, In a Free Webinar Presentation.
In this illustrated presentation, scholar Kay Talwar will introduce the history and philosophy of a devotional sect, the Pushtimarg, which inspired a distinctive tradition of paintings in adoration of Krishna. She will discuss the stylistic development of this historic practice, and explore the Golden Age of Nathdwara during the time of its spiritual leader and head priest, Tilkayat Govardhanlalji (1862-1934), a legendary patron and connoisseur of the arts.
Nathdwara, located in the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan, is home to Shrinathji, a 15th century manifestation of the child god Krishna, holding up Mount Govardhan. Since the establishment of the haveli (temple mansion) in 1671, artists have flocked to the sacred town. Their painted cloth hangings adorn the walls where Shrinathji dwells, and their paintings provide icons for the pilgrimage trade.
Image Credit: Shri Nathji, Anil Relia Collection, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
Please view a video recording of the event here.
