The first-ever encyclopedia of Marathi painters and sculptors is being released next week, after six years of extensive research by a team of experts.
The encyclopedia, titled 'Drishya-kala Khand', would be released here on May 4, volume editor Suhas Bahulkar said.
"In Marathi, there is a rich tradition of encyclopedias devoted to certain disciplines such as philosophy, culture, literature, etc. But so far there was no volume on visual arts of Maharashtra," he said.
"Now 'Drishyakala Khand' is being published as Volume No 6 in the series of 12-volume Charitrakosh, a project undertaken by Saptahik Vivek and Hindusthan Prakashan Sanstha, Mumbai," he said.
Profiles of over 300 distinguished artists, sculptors, applied artists and cartoonists are included in this volume, illustrated with black and white reproductions of paintings and sculptures, he said.
"A special colour section titled 'Kalasanchit' is an added attraction. Many rare works of art are reproduced here, some of which are probably printed for the first time in such a volume," he said.
"The criteria for selection of the artists, was quite simple -- Those who are born in Maharashtra and worked here or outside Maharashtra; those who are from other states but have made their career in Maharashtra; and the ones from remote areas, who have remained unknown, despite their commendable work," he said.
