Odissi meets ballet
Dancers perform during Hansika, an Odissi interpretation of The Swan Lake, at Bal Gandharva Rangmandir, Bandra
Seeing the bigger picture
Canato Jimo (left) in conversation with Deepa Balsavar during the book talk. Pic courtesy/Kahani Tree
Children’s bookstore, Kahani Tree in Prabhadevi had a delightful opportunity when two award-winning illustrators, Canato Jimo and Deepa Balsavar exchanged thoughts about picture books. This diarist reached out to the bookstore founder, Sangeeta Bhansali, who shared, “The book talk was attended by students, graphic designers, other illustrators, even some youngsters from Bengaluru who happened to be in Mumbai. Balsavar, a professor at the Industrial Design Centre of IIT Bombay, discussed with Jimo about the creative process behind his work, and how his roots from Nagaland influence his ideas.”
Inclusive with pride
A moment from the play; (right) actors seen backstage during preparations. Pics courtesy/Footlights Foundation
Teaching youngsters the importance of inclusivity is something we would like to see more of. That has been the case demonstrated by Footlights Foundation, a Ahmedabad-based non-profit organisation that organised a play, titled Lolly and Pop, to teach youngsters the importance of inclusion and sensitivity towards different identities. Held at Veda Factory, Andheri West on November 9, the performance has the outlook of making schools more inclusive. “It covered [issues] that youth often face, from weaponising language at a very early age, using terms such as ‘gay’ mockingly; labelling their peers for how they walk or dress, to ostracising a physically or mentally disabled classmate. Children don’t question these, making it important to bring these to light for a young audience. So far, we’ve done three shows in Mumbai,” Anurima Chatterjee, co-founder and director of the foundation, elaborated to this diarist. She added, “Our aim is to simply say that it’s okay to exist this way.”
Chess moves on canvas with the Grandmaster
Viswanathan Anand (right) with Arvind Sundar. Pics courtesy/Arvind Sundar; Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art
Coimbatore-based artist Arvind Sundar’s new show, Chasing Infinity: The second chapter is an exploration of art, mathematics, and mysticism centred on the game of chess. Sundar views the 64-square chessboard not just as a game, but as a metaphor for the universe. The exhibition is based on profound conversations with chess Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, who noted that “chess and math is also a sort of infinity.”
Knight’s Kolam by Arvind Sundar, exhibited at the gallery
Anand’s insights include a story illustrating a vast landscape of mathematical beauty called the game of chess. The Grandmaster praised the artistic result, saying, “This is sheer interpretation through art; highlighting a fresh take on art and knowing a chess board has no boundaries, especially in a game where I made 13 consecutive moves using the knight, and if that is put on a canvas it’s a magical painting.”
Sculpting identity
A sculpture by Shetty. Pics courtesy/Siddhanth Shetty
Mumbai-based artist Siddhanth Shetty (right), trained at Santiniketan, is hosting an eight-day sculpture workshop in Dadar, from November 15, on traditional methods using clay, Plaster of Paris, wire, and soap. The concept is to, “Sway away from the assault of consuming images offering a consumptive stance, and make something with your own hands. One should always have a sense of curiosity with material life and engage with earth to act upon that.” The course explores anatomical studies and abstract creations.
Deco! It’s on the wall
An embroidered wallpaper of Regal Cinema, Colaba. Pic courtesy/Milaaya Art Gallery
The Milaaya Art Gallery showcased Art Deco Mumbai — A Tribute in Embroidery, a collection of Embroidered Art Deco Wallpapers of varied architectural icons of Mumbai, at The Taj Mahal Palace, Colaba, on November 11. Exhibited for Art Deco Mumbai, the embroidery reimagines buildings such as the New India Assurance Building in Fort, Liberty Cinema in Marine Lines, and Regal Cinema in Colaba. Wall Art by the gallery is also being showcased at the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum at the ongoing Art Deco Alive exhibition.
