Towards Ananda: Rethinking Indian Art and Aesthetics

Author: Shakti MairaPublisher: Penguin/VikingYear: 2006Language: EnglishPages: 289ISBN/UPC (if available): 0670058645 DescriptionAnyone who knows India is aware of its sophisticated aesthetic philosophy and equally rich history of making everyday things beautiful. Yet, most Indians, and travellers to India, are familiar with the great contrast that exists between its ingrained beauty and contemporary ugliness. Towards Ananda examines the many reasons for this paradox, with particular focus on the visual arts. Unlike most books on Indian art and aesthetics which emphasize the 'glorious past' of the classical traditions, this one is centred on the present and the future--on contemporary art and its place in the emerging global art world. The author explores ancient theories of aesthetics in the light of contemporary challenges, and journeys across the country to distil the complex forces which have shaped Indian aesthetics. He also gives us an overview of western ideologies and art movem