Ekphrases: Performing Arts

Ekphrases (VOL 6:2)

Editorial by Jayita Sengupta

This issue of the Caesurae Journal reverberates with the true spirit of ekhphrases! We have music, dance and painting all in one place for any lover of Fine Arts! Mahesh Venkataraman talks about his passion for Bulbul Tarang. His lecture demonstration unfolds the evolution of this unique instrument which he also calls the Indian banjo. Do listen to his talk and how this Rajasthani folk instrument comes home to this multitalented personality hailing from Bangalore and finds a special space in his heart and becomes a medium for his self-expression through music. His high-profile profession and position as the Managing Director of Accenture has not been able to snatch away his musical self from him.

Parijat Bhattacharjee is a scholar of Zoology and is now with Indian Railways, yet he holds on dearly and passionately to his violin playing. Do listen to his presentation of Raga Megh and read the ‘Note’ in the You Tube about his reminiscences on the distinction between the ragas - ‘Megh’ and ‘Megh Malhar’. The Cover design is by Jayita Sengupta (yours truly) to render the mood of the season.

The presentation of the Ramprasadi song “Mukto kor Ma Muktokeshi”, sung by Dr. Anirban Bhattacharyya, who has chosen music as his vocation though he holds a doctoral degree in Sociology, had seduced this painter to paint the versions of the Divine Mother and Piyali Banerjee to make space in her busy schedule as a professional in another field to respond to her passion as a dancer. Shri Nishaant Singh joined the trio with his beats on Pakhawaj and his composition – “Bijli Kadak Paran” and “Bhima Kali Paran”.

There is a very interesting visual short story by a young scholar and painter – Medha Sinha. Her ipad paintings complement the narratives of the three women we are familiar with in her storyline. She very artfully delves deep into the feminine psyche and concludes her story with a harmonious after life in a different space set in a different time which offers the three women a refuge. They together create a community of women who have suffered in love in their human lives but look forward to healing each other in the land of love.

There are three Reports of Cultural Events where Caesurae members have been participants. Do read the reports to know about new ideas and artistic presentations.

CONTENTS

1. What is a Bulbul Tarang? – A Lecture Demonstration by Mahesh Venkataraman