Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

is growing colourful with the paintings on barren walls    PARK CIRCUS TRAM DEPOT  NEW TOWN      GOLAGHATA SUBWAY PHOOLBAGAN METRO      SCHOOL WALL ON RAWDON STREET CIT ROAD      BRAHMAPUR, GARIA GERMAN CONSULATE      BANGUR AVENUE SUBWAY

William Hodges toured India extensively between the years 1780 and 1783, having accompanied Captain Cook on his second voyage to the Pacific. Hodges prepared drawings and watercolours for his engravings, including 'Select views of Calcutta'. This painting is the first topographical view of the city, depicting the initial impression travellers would have seen as they sailed up the river Hooghly to approach the `City of Palaces'. Titled 'A View of Calcutta Taken from Fort William', the picture displays hallmarks of the classical Picturesque as represented by its balanced composition, harmonious colours and tranquil atmosphere. Pictures by Hodges often capture unique effects of light, a fleeting moment when fading sunlight illuminates particular buildings or landscape features. His 'View of Calcutta from Garden House Reach', for example, portrays dark monsoon clouds about to sweep across the sky above the Hooghly River, calm and milky white ...

A rare painting exhibition on forest conservation will held in Kolkata. Campaigns have been done on various forums, but rarely have they been routed through art. Forests, with all their natural splendour, colours and wildlife, will come alive on canvas at a unique painting exhibition at the Birla Academy of Art and Culture from May 15-20. Titled 'Earth Voices', the exhibition will have 45 paintings that catch various shades of nature, jungles and even jungle lore. They have been painted by Indian Forest Service officer V K Yadav and his wife Alka. The idea is to spread awareness about jungles and wildlife and sensitize people about the need to protect them, says Yadav. "We have got some brilliant artwork that brings alive the beauty of forests. They also carry a subtle message that won't be lost on the audience. If this inspires even a few to take interest in nature and wildlife and do their bit for conservation, we would have done our job,...

Engrossed Rabindranath in paintings. -- A. B.