In this issue

Our annual Art issue, takes a look at the changing face of art — focusing on artists under the age of 40 and exploring the different ways in which their work impacts our sensibilities. Our cover girl Rithika Merchant is the poster girl for the new generation of Indian artists who effortlessly transcend creative or geographical boundaries, catering instead to a global audience.

Worlds On A Page

Gita Wolf’s Chennai-based publishing house Tara Books’ handmade offerings are produced in collaboration with both Indian and global artisans. These thought-provoking titles, aimed at younger readers, navigate cultures, societies and geographies with sensitivity, says Lavanya Mohan

4 mins

The South Asian Counterpoint

With a narrative driven by the various geopolitical and economic shifts witnessed by the region, South Asian art has carved a special place for itself in the global arena.  Coming into its own, it has become a force to be reckoned with, even as the community continues to grapple with its identity, past and present, and evolve, says Bhavna Kakar.

5 mins

Tracing The Source

Art movements, trends and fashions are iffy, whimsical things, states Madhu Jain, who takes a ramble through the decades to find what is motivating creators in the subcontinent today.

4 mins

Home Sweet Hutong

Settling into her new life in Beijing, Mithila Phadke is constantly surprised by the hidden secrets of its lesser-known winding alleys and the many stories they hold. She writes about how a geographical shift led her to fuel her creative juices

5 mins

Behind The Brush

Rithika Merchant paints fantasies — her work is full of hybrid creatures, liquid landscapes and horoscopic skies. But, the Barcelona-based visual artist has her feet firmly on the ground and her eye sharply on the ball. Skye Arundhati Thomas explores both the right and left brain of the Mumbai-born artist whose life straddles two continents

8 mins

Wearing His Art On His Sleeve

He provides a sardonic take on the intricacies of the social dynamics within India’s art community through his digital project #ArtWorldMemes, but his fashion choices are no joke. Abhinit Khanna, in a tête-à-tête with Shubham Ladha, talks about what has shaped his sense of style

6 mins

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Verve Magazine Description:

Going towards its 26th year now, Verve has been at the vanguard of the lifestyle industry in India since its inception. Being India's first fashion and luxury monthly and targeted as the spirit of today’s woman, it celebrates the interests of the multifaceted contemporary global Indian, including fashion,beauty and style, glamour, arts and culture, travel and wellness. The editor and publisher, Anuradha Mahindra, has received top billing in Avenue Asia's list of Indians involved in the media.

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