Contemporary Indian Artists Bring Their Book-Making Skills For Art Viewers in Delhi
The Book Project, curated by Shijo Jacob and presented by Apparao Galleries, explores the multifaceted potential of books as a medium for artistic expression. It features sketchbooks, artists books, and clipboards, each revealing different aspects of the creative process.
Historically the ‘art of book’ is a discipline that has existed from the time of Jain illustrated manuscripts, like the Kalpa Sutras (13th Cen onwards) and the Mughal Miniatures that were incorporated in books like the Bāburnāma (1483–1530). In the contemporary context, hand painted or handcrafted book art has given way to the digital avatar. Which is why Shijo Jacob’s curated show The Book Project, is a welcome spark in Indian Modern Art at Apparao Gallery that emphasizes the transformative power of an artist’s imprint – both ‘literal and metaphorical.’
The Book Project Working with The Spine of The Artists
Presented by Apparao and displayed at Shridharani Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam, opening this February 25th, the The Book Project Art Initiative promises to reveal ‘the deeply personal nature of creativity and its singular form’. “Shaped by the distinct paths we navigate in life, these works reveal the deeply personal nature of creativity and its singular form. This collection invites viewers to step into the minds of artists, offering a window into the spontaneity, depth and vulnerability of their creative journeys,” says Jacob.
The Apparao Gallery Artist Showcase includes sketchbook art as well as clipboard art, featuring artists like Ankon Mitra, Arunkumar H. G., Azis T. M., Anupam Chakraborty, Babu Xavier, Balagopalan, George K, Jenny Pinto, Shijo Jacob, Shubhra Chaturvedi, Smriti Dixit, Srinivasa Reddy, Vasudevan Akkitham, Tara Sabharwal, Yugal Kishore Sharma, and Ziya Tarapore to name a few of the many artists portrayed in this exhibition.
Artist Books and Publications- Contemplations on The Sketchbook
“Sketchbooks and book art are deeply personal mediums where the boundaries of creativity are explored and expanded,” contemplates Jacob. They serve as spaces for experimentation, where raw ideas take their first form. They contain everything from fragmented thoughts to intricate studies, offering an immediate glimpse into the artist’s process. “These pages are not simply rough drafts but reflections of an evolving vision—dynamic, fluid, and filled with the energy of creation” says Jacob. Book art expands this experimentation into sculptural and narrative dimensions. Artists alter the structure of books through folding, layering, cutting, and reconfiguring, blending text, imagery, and structure in ways that push the boundaries of form and content.
These works delve into themes of identity, memory, culture, and the human condition. Some artists craft intricate, sculptural forms from books, while others embed deeply personal or universal narratives, showcasing their potential as powerful mediums of artistic expression. “What makes sketchbooks and book art so compelling is their ability to hold contradictions—they are at once personal and universal, intimate and expansive. They offer a space where imagination runs wild, and viewers are invited to see not only the finality of a thought but the dynamic process that brought it to life,” says Jacob.
The Book Project Exhibitions with Clipboard Art
Clipboards, often seen as utilitarian objects, are transformed in this exhibition into platforms for spontaneity and creativity. They become spaces where immediacy meets intention, offering a unique way to document ideas as they emerge. For this show, artists were invited to capture raw, spontaneous thoughts and inspirations on clipboards, resulting in works as varied as the artists themselves. Each clipboard tells a story, reflecting diverse themes and perspectives. Some explore deeply personal narratives, while others delve into abstract ideas or cultural reflections. The themes range from memory and identity to experiments with form and materiality. Artists employ a variety of approaches—from layered compositions to bold, gestural marks—showcasing the richness of ideas captured on these modest surfaces.
The flexibility of the clipboard format allows for an interplay between structure and freedom, enabling artists to layer, assemble, and reinterpret their ideas in visually striking ways. These works highlight the creative potential hidden in everyday objects, emphasizing the beauty of immediacy and authenticity in the artistic process.
Through this collection, clipboard art bridges spontaneity and depth, inviting viewers to engage with the raw and authentic essence of creativity.
Check out the show this February 25th – Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 Shridharani Gallery, 205 Tansen Marg, Triveni Kala Sangam New Delhi 110001.
Georgina is an independent critic-curator with 18 years of experience in the field of Indian art and culture. She blurs the lines of documentation, theory and praxis by involving herself in visual art projects. Besides writing on immersive art for STIRworld, she is a regular contributor for The Hindu, MASH Mag and Architectural Digest.
