Hashiya - Homage To Things That Lie 'Within'

Art show casts a new look at a traditional practice

- Subhra Mazumdar

In classical Moghul miniatures, by making a ‘hashiya’ or margin the ‘artist pays homage to the things that lie within’. It therefore re-framed or re-presented the work through a highly personalised commentary box. Taking off from this utilitarian angle, the recent exhibition ‘Hashiya’ by Anant Arts, Delhi, a group of practitioners devised hashiyas in their own vocabulary instigating a new look at a traditional practice. Manisha Baswani boxed her borders into a frame of vertically raised design, resembling a bas-relief of sorts. The delicately painted spaces in between kept the eyes travelling as one deciphered creatures, escarpments and other objects.