A Controversial Painting by Manjit Bawa and Irani Restaurant Instructions by Nissim Ezekiel

This week in Daak:

1. A Controversial Painting by Manjit Bawa

2. Irani Restaurant Instructions by Nissim Ezekiel

3. A Japanese Artist’s Ode to India  

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1. A Controversial Painting by Manjit Bawa, 1992, Saffronart

Manjit Bawa’s work borrowed generously from faith and mythology. He said, “I had been brought up on stories from the Mahabharat, the Ramayan, and the Puranas (Hindu mythological and sociological texts), on the poetry of Waris Shah (a Punjabi poet) and readings from the Granth Sahib (holy book of the Sikhs).” But when art toys with faith, it is bound to stir up controversies. Several of his paintings were misinterpreted and angered people of various faiths. This untitled painting was interpreted as Lord Krishna playing his flute for dogs. But Bawa insisted that the protagonist was not Krishna but Ranjha, the tragic hero of the Punjabi love poem Heer-Ranjha written by Waris Shah. He said, “The dog is anti-Hindu and anti-Muslim both. Showing the dog is antireligion.“ To further this point, he added that a couplet from the poem – “Nobody would listen to my flute; I’ll play for the dogs” – served an inspiration for his painting.

2. Irani Restaurant Instructions by Nissim Ezekiel

Please
Do not spit
Do not sit more
Pay promptly, time is invaluable
Do not write letter
Without order refreshment
Do not comb
Hair is spoiling floor
Do not make mischief’s in cabin
Our waiter is reporting
Come again
All are welcome whatever caste
If not satisfied tell us
Otherwise tell others
GOD IS GREAT.

Nissim Ezekiel’s observational poems are legendary (the original stand-up acts if you will!). One of our favourite ones is “Irani Restaurant Instructions”. If you have ever eaten at these cramped and fragrant cafes with eccentric owners and servers, this poem is sure to make you nostalgic for their delicious food and old-world charm.

3. A Japanese Artist’s Ode to India

In the 1930s, Japanese artist and printmaker Hiroshi Yoshida spent 4 months traveling across India and South Asia, capturing the most iconic sights in his artworks. You can find prints of these stunning artworks and others in our store.