As the 18th Annual Winter Exhibition continues (until the end of January 2014), we are able to revisit the exhibitions of 2013, and enjoy the artworks again.
In October of 2013, we were privileged to exhibit the work of Tejubehan, the Indian artist behind Drawing from the City, published by Tara Books. Tara Books is an independent publisher of picture books for adults and children based in Chennai, Southern India. Founded in 1994, Tara Books remains a collective of dedicated writers, designers and artists who strive for a union of fine form and impressive content. Fiercely independent, Tara Books publish a select list of titles which encompasses many genres.
Drawing from the City is exquisitely drawn and a spectacular example of contemporary art. Teju's hypnotic faces, striking skylines and landscapes tell the tale of her incredible journey from appalling poverty to the rich, inner realms of art. Teju, a self-taught artist, creates drawings which are at once innocent and complex, gripping the onlooker with her mesmerising combination of lines and dots.
Tejubehan has very kindly signed a selection of the handmade, silkscreen printed books of Drawing from the City, available at the cover price of £22.99. Call us on +44(0)207 976 1727 to order, or email gallery@illustrationcupboard.com
Visit the gallery to view the original published pen and ink drawings and view them online also:
http://www.illustrationcupboard.com/exhibition_illustrations.aspx?ePage=0&eid=215
I watch big graceful birds that move silently through the sky
Pen and ink on paper, 350 x 530mm, £2450
Top image:
Should they fly forever like birds?
Pen and ink on paper, 350 x 530mm, £2450
Window display for Tara Books exhibition, October 2013
Gita Wolf (founder of Tara Books) signing Gobble You Up! Written by Gita Wolf, illustrated by Sunita
Drawing from the City, signed by Tejubehan, £22.99
About Tejubehan, and her husband Ganesh, published in Drawing from the City
'Born in Rajasthan and to music, Ganesh - and Teju - belonged to a community that wandered the streets, singing devotional songs. In return, the singers were given grain, clothes and some money. Like many old caste-based practices, this one has also lingered on in a fashion, but is no longer a viable occupation. Ganesh Jogi, like others in his community, had to make other livelihood choices. For a while, he did whatever work came his way, but some years proved harsher than others. His fortune changed when he met the remarkable artist Haku Shah in Ahmedabad, who encouraged him to draw. In his generous and unusual way, Ganesh then nurtured Teju's talent, disregarding what was considered approproaite for women in the community to do.
In Drawing from the City, Teju draws the story of her journey as an artist, which was so closely intertwined with that of Ganesh. It is at once a celebration and a tribute to his memory, to the art that this gentle and loving couple practised together. We hope that the book will stay with Teju, as a reminder od what she may yet do. '
Here is a youtube video of Teju and Ganesh singing together:
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