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Variegated Vista : Painting Sculpture and Printmaking in Post Independence Uttar Pradesh is much more than a prized coffee table adoration. The book is a connoisseur’s delight, unfolding the artistic pursuits of Uttar Pradesh from the beginning of twentieth century until now, comprehensively brought about through a meticulously performed research work.

The painstakingly researched treatise has reined in and consolidated a vastly scattered and lost, domain of artists as well as their works, thus culminating in a picturesque presentation in print from portraying an ensemble of the complete panorama of the multihued art of U.P. to include for first time the oft overlooked and set aside works, that needs to be seen, to be enjoyed.

It is a pioneering effort, that while presenting a wholesome kaleidoscopic view of art of this region, it gently allows art lovers to wade through the timeline experiencing the steady evolution from an agrarian folk culture and traditional, hierarchical mindset to the state of present day experimentalism and innovation. The evolutionary process captures the multifarious culture of this state reflected in its art; as to how artists from the farthest corners of India have come, settled here and enriched its art by a grand pouring of their own traditions to ultimately evolve synergies of a versatile kind. Interestingly, artists migrating from the region here remained connected with their roots, while they pitched themselves to make a mark and create their own identity in the global arena of present day art.

Carefully researched, well documented and richly Illustrated with 601 coloured and black and white photographs, this book through its 512 pages, with an eye for detail, presents the pursuits of artists in the realm of painting, sculpture and printmaking, who evolving from strength to strength absorbed the changing trends, to emerge with art forms having their own distinct identity. These attributes and many others render this book, both a rich treasure for art scholars’ references and the discerning art lovers’ prized possession.