Gul Moher by Hari Ambadas Gade and Oonchai by Kedarnath Singh
This week in Daak:
1. Gul Moher from Mrs Clark's Garden by Hari Ambadas Gade
2. Oonchai (The Highest Place) by Kedarnath Singh
3. Winter and the Thrill of Ghost Stories
4. Daak Recommends
1. Gul Moher from Mrs Clark's Garden, Bombay, 1950, Bonhams
We recently discovered Hari Ambadas Gade’s abstract expressionist paintings which brilliantly capture the noisy confusion and stillness of life. As is evident in this luxuriant painting, an important aspect of Gade’s paintings was the use of colour, about which he said, “The juxtaposition of colour, with its emotive functions, is my primary concern and I receive my pictorial experience through color, with all its technical and spatial attributes.”
2. Oonchai (The Highest Place) by Kedarnath Singh
main wahan pahuncha
aur darr gaya
mere shehar ke logon
yah kitna bhayanak hai
ki shehar ki saari seedhiyan milkar
jis mahaan oonchai tak jaati hain
wahan koi nahi rehta!
//
When I got there
I was afraid.
People of my city
it is terrifying to discover
that all the steps
of the city
lead up to
this place
where no one lives.
(Translation by Alok Bhalla)In a few simple lines, Kedarnath Singh captures the empty ideals and aspirations of modern life. All the hype surrounding ‘the highest place’ comes to naught when one reaches said place and discovers nothing there. As we climb our own metaphorical ladders, let’s remember that life, joy and meaning can always be found in the here and now.
3. Winter and the Thrill of Ghost Stories
As the cold descends, dive into a realm of ancient spirits, shape-shifters, and vengeful demons. In collaboration with Blaft, we bring you this delightful collection, Ghosts, Monsters And Demons Of India, which has captivating storytelling and stunning illustrations — a must-read for lovers of horror, mythology, and the unexplained!
4. Daak Recommends
Watch this documentary on Hari Ambadas Gade’s life and work.