Abirpothi

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Relics of Royalty: Exploring India\’s missing art since colonial times – III

In a short, multi-part series, we explore some of the masterpieces of art that were spirited away by colonial powers from what stands as modern India — all of which have not been returned till date. In part III, we catch a glimpse of select royal relics, encapsulating the grandeur of yore, much of which […]

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From Gods to jewels: Exploring India\’s missing art since colonial times – II

In a short, multi-part series, we explore some of the masterpieces of art that were spirited away by colonial powers from what stands as modern India — all of which have not been returned till date. In part II, we get a glimpse at some of the most brilliant and sacred treasures that continue to

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Will it ever come home? Exploring India\’s missing art since colonial times – I

In a short, multi-part series, we explore some of the masterpieces of art that were spirited away by colonial powers from what stands as modern India — all of which have not been returned till date. In part I, we broadly explore the history of such stolen art, where it stands, crusaders seeking it out,

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Amid repatriation news, we delve into the magnificence of Chola art

With two antique Chola bronze sculptures poised to be repatriated to India, Abir Pothi takes a glimpse into this exquisite and iconic art of the 12th-century civilization, via a series of tweets by noted art historian and writer William Dalrymple earlier this year, extolling the intricate artistry involved Mere days ago, in a widely-hailed piece

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\”My painting got sold within 20 minutes!\” FIRST TAKE winners share their experience

Through its last four editions, Abir India has received over 8000 entries out of which works of 500 artists have been chosen and 32 artists have been awarded. As Abir India presents FIRST TAKE 2021, Gauri Gharpure talks to past winners about their experience of participating in the event.  Keerti Pooja: FIRST TAKE is much

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A blockchain architect unravels the art world\’s enigma with non-fungible tokens (NFTs)

Abir Pothi gets into the basics of the boom that is sweeping the art world off its feet. The new buzzwords for art in the digital era — NFTs, blockchain and cryptocurrency  — are explained by blockchain architect and expert Rohas Nagpal in his own words. It all starts with the building blocks. So, what

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A master of Realism from South India taken by the pandemic

The indiscriminately cruel pandemic earlier this month carried away South Indian artist S Elayaraja, known for his stunningly realistic portrayals of \’Dravidian women\’. Abir Pothi condoles Strikingly real imagery with an almost photo-like study of light, beautiful women in vibrant saris, flowers in their hair and a hint of a smile always playing on their

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JMS Mani: The artist who brought to life Badami’s rural splendor is no more

JMS Mani passed away on June 2 at the age of 72. Abir Pothi takes a look at the expansive legacy that the the Bengaluru-based artist and teacher leaves behind, full of artistic experimentation and forging the next generation of artists When one speaks of JMS Mani, as artist JM Subramani is popularly known, the

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