Indian Sculpture: Towards the Rebirth of Aesthetics

FREE Delivery
$37.60
$47
(20% off)
Quantity
Delivery Ships in 1-3 days
Item Code: IDL225
Author: Carmel Berkson
Publisher: Abhinav Publication
Language: English
Edition: 2009
ISBN: 8170175038
Pages: 136 (68 B/W Illustrations)
Cover: Hardcover
Other Details 11.3" X 8.8"
Weight 900 gm
Fully insured
Fully insured
Shipped to 153 countries
Shipped to 153 countries
More than 1M+ customers worldwide
More than 1M+ customers worldwide
100% Made in India
100% Made in India
23 years in business
23 years in business
Book Description

From the Jacket

The author wonders why so many Indian studio sculptors today choose to follow their contemporaries in the west, since the vision of these peers is the exclusive product of the western historical past which bears little relevance to the complex world that is India. She expresses the hope that dormant cultural dynamics can be reawakened after depth encounters with the great sculpture of India. Hopefully this will result in revitalized native art forms.

Diagrams, photographs and texts clarify modern insights and reveal inherent patterns, structures and systems, on the macro level in the cave and built temples and on the micro level in quantum physics. There exists the possibility that these intrinsic tendencies in nature might be the precise point of interaction, the path by means of which the modern Indian sculptor can renew contact with indigenous aesthetics.

In viewing her own work displayed here in photographs, Berkson acknowledges her debt to Indian sculpture in concept, style and primarily in vigour. Indeed, her dominant themes derive from the rich storehouse of Indian mythology and legend: Durga slaying the buffalo demon/god; the awesome dance of Siva; the man-lion avatara of Visnu; Krishna subduing Kaliya; and many more. The statues are imbued with rasa or essence that characterizes all genuine Indian art. While the style is modern and individual, the spirit is ancient and universal.

Back of the Book

Here is a unique and original insight into the creative processes of a modern sculptor whose work bears a definite connection with Indian sculptural traditions. This monograph enables the reader to form an idea of the conscious and unconscious forces that drive an artist. Carmel Berkson brings to bear her lifetime experience as sculptor to this perceptive revelation.

Carmel Berkson’s books, photographs and sculptures are infused with India’s fundamental artistic force which, during her long sojourn inn India, she has imbibed at the great temples. Her monograph is a profound commentary on issues of import regarding contemporary art in India. While folk and traditional artists continue to reflect the perennial ethos in prolific imagery, so much of today’s urban and art school work is still in the grip of global influences which have little to do with our own culture. Carmel’s insightful statement lays strong emphasis on the interdependence of the ancestral artistic wisdom as it prefigures many of today’s scientific concerns. If we are to stay in touch with our heritage, these values must remain as the structural foundation for truly authentic contemporary Indian sculpture.

I believe that the essence of Carmel’s vision, as evidenced in her most recent sculpture, may, in the final analysis, contain the essential formula for a long overdue artistic regeneration.

 

Kapila Vatsyayan

Carmel Berkson’s life has been one long, passionate quest, to unearth the secret of the power, dignity and serenity of classical Indian sculpture. The depth of her insight and interpretation is reflected, not only in her penetrating eye, but in her own creative output as a practicing sculptor of extraordinary power and sensibility. She has spent half a lifetime communing with the profound, heroic period of India’s creative vision and spiritual depth and its relevance for our own times. It has resulted in a work of such psychological insight and philosophic profundity as will prove an inspiration to scholars and practicing sculptors alike.

 

Ebrahim Alkazi

There are some many publications about our Indian sculpture, but Carmel Berkson’s is totally different and wonderful. Though we have forgotten our own roots, her creations in bronze concentrate on retrieving the connection with the soul of Indian sculpture’s eternal beauty and strength.

 

Content

 

SECTION I  
Retrieving the Connection 10
In the End is the Beginning:  
Time-Memory-Myth 11
Traditional Definition of Sculpture 13
Who is Doing Sculpture in India Today 14
Winds from the West 18
Current Concerns 21
SECTION II  
Mental Events 27
Pattern (Panjara) 29
Structure 30
Systems 32
Contents 37
SECTION III  
Sculpture: Diagrams of Immanent  
Underlying Patterns 41
Carmel Berkson 42-45
Dasavatara, Cave 15, Ellora 44-53
SECTION IV  
Carmel Berkson: Sculpture and Related Myths  
Indra 61
Durga on Lion 65
Mahishamardini 69
Siva 79
Visnu-Krishna 91
Rasa 115

Sample Pages









Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q. What locations do you deliver to ?
    A. Exotic India delivers orders to all countries having diplomatic relations with India.
  • Q. Do you offer free shipping ?
    A. Exotic India offers free shipping on all orders of value of $30 USD or more.
  • Q. Can I return the book?
    A. All returns must be postmarked within seven (7) days of the delivery date. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached. To know more please view our return policy
  • Q. Do you offer express shipping ?
    A. Yes, we do have a chargeable express shipping facility available. You can select express shipping while checking out on the website.
  • Q. I accidentally entered wrong delivery address, can I change the address ?
    A. Delivery addresses can only be changed only incase the order has not been shipped yet. Incase of an address change, you can reach us at help@exoticindia.com
  • Q. How do I track my order ?
    A. You can track your orders simply entering your order number through here or through your past orders if you are signed in on the website.
  • Q. How can I cancel an order ?
    A. An order can only be cancelled if it has not been shipped. To cancel an order, kindly reach out to us through help@exoticindia.com.
Add a review
Have A Question

For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy