Page: 215 (252 illustrations)
Dimension: 12 x 8.5 in.
Hard Bound – Montblanc extra white paper
Publisher: Emami Art
ISBN: 978-81-952617-6-5
With a large collection of photographic reproductions of artworks, archival images, reflective essays, and artist’s interview, the boxed, hardcover catalogue of Reverie and Reality captures the essence of Jogen Chowdhury’s immersive, retrospective-scale exhibition at Emami Art, curated by Ranjit Hoskote.
“While I sit to work, I continue to think about art and the problems of art in our society, regarding various issues related to creativity and my personal involvement in the art of painting. Whenever an idea or thought came to my subconscious mind I instantly put it down on the back pages of my preparatory sketch book.” writes Jogen Chowdhury in one of the essays in the book. Flipping through a few more pages, one can find many such thoughts and ideas scribbled in his note and sketchbooks, and diaries. One of the book’s chapters focus on quotes from his diaries at different points of time, while the others on the posters designed by the artist, rare archival photographs, and interviews that promise an insight into the formation and imagination of the artist. These accompany the high-quality art plates and insightful curatorial essay by Ranjit Hoskote that enable the reader to follow the versatile artist through the paths and detours of his creative life.
One of the most significant artists in the history of post-independence modern and contemporary Indian art, Jogen Chowdhury, was born in Faridpur in undivided India. After completing his studies at Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Paris, on a French Government scholarship, Chowdhury returned to India, and gradually developed his unique style of painting.
“Comprising over 150 artworks, Reverie and Reality, an exhibition of Jogen Chowdhury’s works, seeks to contextualize the diverse oeuvres that has been explored by the veteran artist.” - The Telegraph