The Mystery of Art

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Item Code: IDC936
Author: D. K. Chandra
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
Language: English
Edition: 1995
ISBN: 8120811909
Pages: 178 (B&W.illus.:21 & B&W.Map.:1)
Cover: Hardcover
Other Details 9" x 6"
Weight 380 gm
Book Description

From the Jacket

The Mystery of Art lets the forms of art tell their own tale. Instead of analyzing the art expressions, this narrative work invites the reader to re-discover the functions of art. The observation of the art-scenes starts with the present and winds its way backward, through time and history. In the course of this journey, the different art-expressions reveal themselves in a novel light. The function of art assumes a fresh importance that provokes a special and new sensitivity in the observer.

The narrative tale invites to explore the whole art field. Poetry, music, dance, painting and sculpture point to something more subtle than the aesthetic experience and lead the art lover, step by step, deeper into the mystery of transformation. The narrative style evidences the fact, that art, in order to be really appreciated, should be presented in the form of art.

About the Author

Born in Switzerland (1933), there, when yet very young, D. K. Chandra learnt to appreciate the beauty of nature. After the advent of India's independence, she came to India and observed the various art-expressions with a keen attention and a deep appreciation. Thanks to her wide interests, she developed a global approach to art that earned her the friendship and trust of Rukmini Devi. For some years, D. K. Chandra taught art-theory and culture in the Kalakshetra Collage of Fine Arts.

Because of her intuition about the function of art, she was greatly attracted by the spiritual tradition of yoga. Having found an ideal exponent of this ancient wisdom in Prof. T. Krishnamacharya, and having received the blessings of this eminent teacher, she started to dedicate herself more and more to yoga. She teaches and continues to study yoga.

Preface

Art has been created to capture the attention of the appre- ciative observer. The narrative and descriptive elements of the different art-expressions stimulate the perception of all the senses. With brilliant rhythm, melodic sound, sugges- tive gestures and the powerful, yet fluid line, art directs the observer into a realm where the rigid measures of time evaporate. From the resulting wholesome vision develops the aesthetic experience.

But art tries to disclose more than just an experience. Art attempts to reveal the fundamentals on which it moves and exhibits its forms. The sounds, rhythms and images of art hide this basic essence. With the help of indicative and heraldic elements, art invites the observer to explore the ground. The narrative line leads the way in this adventure. The appreciation of art begins with the observation of various art-forms and then proceeds to unveil the basis. The beauty of art is re-discovered in the sphere of the unmanifest, when art sheds its outer forms. The essential part of art can be found only through an attentive and loving exploration of what art presents.

The different art-expressions compose a unique and universal language that narrates an unending tale. The ob- server is requested to enter the artistic lore and participate in its creative movements.

The fluid, unbroken line distinguishes Indian art. With its repetitive movements the wave-like line creates an ordered space where time is not a mere fragmenting element but assumes a creative role. Thanks to the fluid and continuous line, time vibrates as joyous rhythm and creates a variety of forms within space. The ancient kolam designs exemplify this process. The decorative kolam patterns show how a form emerges from rhythm. As the fluid line moves on and encircles each of the pre-existing and well chosen points, the unbroken line creates an infinite variety of designs. Each composition exalts harmony and celebrates an inher- ent centre. The white shell-powder with which one traces the lines on the dark earth indicates the light of pure space. In order to discover the underlying mystery of art, the appreciator views the different forms without analysing these. In an attentive and neutral observation, the mind remains open and is receptive to the moving line that creates the forms.

Indian art is rich with indicative and evocative details that point to the essential space in which the forms exist. Artistic forms have a story to tell. A tale that goes beyond the appreciation of beauty or the interpretation of historic facts. Art narrates the tale of creation. Art recounts the mystery of space that is filled with the rhythm of life. If we listen to the tale of art, our attention is drawn to this prime- centre.

This work explores the unending line of narration; it follows the winding movements through time. Listening, too, becomes an un-interrupted movement. The underly- ing rhythm captures the attention. When this attention is not interrupted, art discloses the mystery of the central space.

Art is seen to have various forms but only one definite function. The role of art is understood to lead the attentive appreciator to the prime source of life. For this reason art is not presented in the usual manner nor is there any index that provides a base for an analytical approach. The reader is invited to listen to the tale of art; to be attentive to the story that art tells. The reader is invited to follow the nar- rative line and explore the, heights and depths of its natural ondulations.

It is this unending movement of attention that opens the door and leads the observer into the inner realm where he can discover the rhythm of art and beyond that the space that supports all forms.

Contents

Prefacevii
List of Illustrative Drawingsxi
Section I: The Mystery of Art1
1.The Birth of Art3
2.The Temple of Art5
3.The Function of art11
4.The Forms of Art13
5.The Rhythm of Art29
Section II: The Lore of Art35
6.The Present Scene (Now-1950)37
7.The Sacrificial Spirit (1950-1850)41
8.The Melodic Line of Music (1850-1750)45
9.The Folk-soul Emerges (1750-1600)51
10.Moghul Art (1650-1550)55
11.The Sufi-Hindu Confluence (1600-1300)59
12.The Vijaynagar Hindu Empire (1565-1335)63
13.The Age of Temples (1300-1000)67
14.Chola-Rhythm (1070-850)75
15.Overflowing Hearts (900-500)81
16.Trade, Wealth and art89
17.Sangam Heritage (A.D. 320-200 B. C.)95
18.Nature Re-discovered (A. D. 320-200 B. C.)99
19.Kama, Artha, dharma and Moksa (A. D. 320-200 B. C.)103
20.Mauryan Aristocracy (200 B. C.-400 B. C.)109
21.Of Laws and Myths (400 B. C.-700 B. C.)113
22.The Spirit of Inquiry (700 B. C.-1000 B. C.)119
23.The Vedic Art of Living (800 B. C.-2000 B. C.)121
24.The River-Valley Towns (1750 B. C.-3000 B. C.)127
25.The Art of Yoga "As Above-So Below"133
Section III: Revelations Art137
26.Revelations of art139
Glossary151

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