A new book on the art of Sukumar Bose, a former curator of paintings at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, will be commemorated at the World Book Fair beginning next week in New Delhi.
'The Art of Sukumar Bose: Reflections on South & Southeast Asia,' is one of the many books to be presented by Singapore's National Book Development Council at the book fair to be held from February 14-22.
"We are proud to have the book showcased at the Delhi fair," said Singapore-based Kamal, the elder son of Sukumar Bose.
Commissioned by the Bose Family Trust, the book was published in March last year by Singapore's Institute of Southeast Asian Studies.
The 234-page book by the Padma Shree awardee has three messages from President of India, Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore.
Bose, who was born in Lucknow in 1912, was a curator of paintings at the Rashtrapati Bhavan till 1972. He used intricate calligraphy to weave shlokas from Bhagwat Gita in his meandering semi-circular motifs decorating the ceiling.
His paintings were also crafted on two gifts given to US First Lady Michelle Obama - a Pashima shawl from Kashmir and a tea set - during Barack Obama's Presidential visit in January.
The book takes an incisive look at the artist, his works and the context of his art production in South and Southeast Asia.
The Bose family will gather at the commemoration in Delhi on February 18.
The National Book Development Council has been invited as the Guest of Honour Country at the book fair to celebrate 50 years of close diplomatic ties between Singapore and India.
This endeavour intends to raise the profile of Singapore in India, and to give recognition to authors, illustrators, publishers and other key players involved in Singapore's publishing industry, said the Council.
