Volume V, Issue 11-12Author: Ananda Coomaraswamy Editor’s Note: Ananda Kentish Coomaraswamy is a familiar name for every student or rasika of Indian Art. He is widely acknowledged as one of the great art historians and scholars of Indian art. Coomaraswamy was an early interpreter of Indian culture to the West. His numerous writings cover areas […]
The Aims of Indian Art – Part 1 Read More »
In this part, the author goes deeper into the essential purpose of art in India and also how it is different from the Western art.
The Aims of Indian Art – Part 2 Read More »
The author presents an ideal for an artist. The artist is one in whom the sattwic buddhi or the capacity for ideal sensibility predominates.
Rasa: Its Meaning and Scope – 3 Read More »
The author summarizes a few essential points regarding the Indian vision of Culture and Art. He reminds us that the Indian view of Art arose from her integral vision of Life and Existence, which recognizes Art as an important means to refine one’s nature and prepare for a higher life, which is also the true meaning of culture.
Art, a Passage for Higher Life Read More »
Through a masterful analysis the author concludes that if the aim of spirituality is to know the Self, then the aim of art too is the same.
The Different Paths of an Artist and a Sadhu Read More »
In this part the author explores if there a primary rasa from which other rasa-s originate. He also helps us reflect on how rasa is an attribute of the soul.
Rasa: Its Meaning and Scope – 2 Read More »
This new series explores the Spirit and Forms of Art in India. The first issue focuses on the theme: The Purpose of Art – From Beauty to Bliss.
The Purpose of Art – From Beauty to Bliss Read More »
This remarkable letter of Sri Aurobindo, with relevant examples and detailed explanations, is a perfect response to the slogan – Art for Art’s Sake.
Art for Art’s Sake? Certainly, But Also Art for the Soul’s Sake Read More »
Read these selections from Evening Talks with Sri Aurobindo on beauty, and the relation between aesthetic refinement and spiritual development.
“In India God is the All-beautiful” – Conversations with Sri Aurobindo Read More »
The timely relevance of the key points made by E. B. Havell in this lecture delivered in 1905 is remarkable, despite the references to the context of his time.
The Uses of Art – A 1905 Lecture Read More »
How is Beauty connected with delight, harmony and life? How does one experience the delight of beauty? Read and reflect. Also, watch a video featuring an insight from the Mother on how “the anguish of desire” distorts the experience of beauty.
“Beauty is his footprint…” (with video) Read More »
This essay is excerpted from Rabindranath Tagore’s book titled Sādhanā: The Realisation of Life. Don’t miss a beautiful poem by Tagore translated in English.
The Realisation of Beauty Read More »
The author writes: “Obscenity has its place in art, but not ugliness. Obscenity and ugliness are not the same, nor are decency and beauty.”
The Obscene and the Ugly – Form and Essence Read More »
If all Art is an artist’s interpretation of what he sees in Nature (or in Life), is it right to assume that it would express only beauty? Read to explore.
The Figures of Eternity Read More »
What do we are truly seek when we seek beauty? How can one consciously appreciate that which is beautiful and true? Read and discover.
“To find highest beauty is to find God” Read More »
A contemplative composition which speaks of the process of cittasuddhi, the emotional purification, a journey of seeking harmony, beauty and joy.
Inner Bliss – Indescribable Beauty (A Poem with Flower Mandalas) Read More »
A wider view of Indian cultural forms suggests that Rām-kathā continues to thrive as an important influence despite the outer hybridity in Indian popular cultural landscape.
Rām-kathā, a Living Tradition of India Read More »
Mr. Madhu Jagdhish is a heritage photography enthusiast, with special interest in documenting the rich Indian heritage of temple sculptures. A thoughtful exposure to our culture’s artistic heritage and an overall development of aesthetic sensibility and artistic appreciation are important parts of any meaningful education. In the age of smartphones with photography becoming available at fingertips, it is important that youngsters interested in exploring photography as an art-form and a possible vocation are shown this possibility that photography can also become a great medium to go deeper into one’s cultural roots and in the process discover and reveal (for oneself and for others) the rich artistic and aesthetic traditions that we have inherited. In this regard, Mr. Jagdhish’s work makes a significant contribution.
The Art of Heritage Photography – A Conversation with Madhu Jagdhish (Video) Read More »
Have you ever wondered what makes one space feel harmoniously beautiful and another space, sometimes even the most well-designed space, feel jarring, out of order almost? And how is all this related to the inner spaces in which we dwell – spaces where practicing harmony is both an art and a science of life and living.
Peace, Harmony and the Art of Spaces Read More »