Jews and the Indian National Art Porject

Book Details

• Publisher: Niyogi Books

• Author: Kenneth X. Robbins

• Language: English

• Edition: First Edition

• ISBN: 9789383098545

• Pages: 376

• Binding: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 10.6 x 7.8 x 1.1 inches

About the Book

Jews and the Indian National Art Project by Kenneth X. Robbins offers an enlightening exploration of the significant role Jews have played in shaping and developing contemporary Indian art and aesthetics. This comprehensive volume sheds light on the contributions of both foreign and Indian Jews to the Indian national art project, offering valuable insights for anyone wishing to understand the nuances of Indian art in a global context.

The book chronicles the lives and works of notable Jewish artists such as Anna Molka Ahmed, Mirra Alfassa (The Mother), Siona Benjamin, Carmel Berkson, and Fredda Brilliant, among others. It also delves into the world of photographers like David Mordecai and Man Ray, as well as architects such as Otto Königsberger and Moshe Safdie. Robbins' detailed research not only highlights the artistic endeavors of these individuals but also raises critical questions about the very nature of "Indian art."

Through in-depth analysis, Robbins tackles essential issues like whether an artist born into an Indian family defines "Indian art" or if foreigners and members of minority groups can equally contribute to this cultural dialogue. He also examines the possibility of utilizing foreign techniques while creating art that resonates with an "Indian" identity.

This volume is richly illustrated with previously unseen works, including lost paintings by Fyzee Rahamin and Magda Nachman, providing a visual journey into the legacies of these groundbreaking artists. Jews and the Indian National Art Project is an invaluable resource for those interested in the intersections of art, identity, and history in modern India.