From Miniature paintings to Modern arts; The Magic of Geeti Sen’s ‘Alchemy’

On November 27, 2024, Geeti Sen launched her latest book ‘Alchemy: Contemporary Indian Painting and Miniature Traditions’ in India International Centre, Delhi. The book is a celebration of art, creativity, and Indian aesthetics, and was launched by Geeti Sen, Waswo X. Waswo, and Giles Tillotson.
Following the launch was a beautiful discussion between Geeti and Giles about the book, her choice of artists, the inspirations, and much more.
The discussion began with Waswo X. Waswo introducing Geeti Sen, and he shared with the audience how he first met her Kathmandu, not in person, but rather with a book that she wrote, and how it became the first book he read about Indian art. Waswo shared that later their paths crossed when Geeti approached him to discuss miniature paintings for her latest work, ‘Alchemy’.
He also revealed that the book took a whopping six years to complete and praised it for its visual richness and the blend of classic miniature art with contemporary practices. "This book," he said, "is a journey into the depths of tradition and innovation."
Geeti then took the stage to introduce Giles Tillotson, a well-known art historian and her partner in conversation for the evening. Giles applauded the book as an inspiration for students of art and those interested in the interplay between tradition and modernity. And then began a beautiful, rich, and insightful discussion into the book.

Giles first asked Geeti Sen why she chose the title ‘Alchemy’ as the book was in no way related to the science or the phenomenon, to which she explained that as Alchemy is the process of transforming base metal into gold, similarly, in this book, she has brought together two of her passions - miniature painting and contemporary Indian art. She shared that there wasn’t much written about their connection, and so ‘Alchemy’ seemed like the perfect title to capture that transformation.
Giles agreed, noting the magical quality of the book and informed the audience that the book begins with the legendary artist Abindranath Tagore, and then moves on to other artists and painters.
Giles pointed out how Abindranath’s works transformed traditional Indian motifs, drawing on influences from ‘Abhisarika’, an old Indian painting style featuring a heroine in a regal, yet tumultuous setting. Geeti elaborated, noting how Abindranath reimagined these figures with elegance and brought in Japanese and pan-Asian elements to his works.
When asked how Abindranath captured Indian aesthetics, Geeti highlighted his mastery of ‘rasa’ and ‘bhava’ which is emotion, feeling, and sentiments. She also said that Abindranath introduced to Indian art the concept of ‘Chhanda and Rasa’.
Giles and Geeti then had a hearty discussion about paintings by Abindranath Tagore, from a portrait of Rabindranath Tagore, to that of Abhisarika, and how those paintings captured the essence of beauty.

The conversation then moved to Manjit Bawa, an iconic Indian painter known for simplifying the divine. The first topic of conversation between Giles and Geeti was about Bawa’s painting ‘Bahubali’, and during the discussion Geeti shared a personal anecdote about Manjit, who once told her, “I want my paintings to be so simple that even my kids can understand them.” She told the audience all about how well Bawa embraced simplicity and fluidity, and shared how “For Manjit, the background colour was as important as the central figure.”

Next up were the paintings by Waswo X. Waswo and R. Vijay. Geeti shared that in their partnership, Waswo conceptualised the themes of the artworks, while R Vijay brought them to life.
Geeti discussed ‘The Danger of Photography’, their first painting together, and talked about many other works that the duo created together that had a common, recurring theme - a foreign man in a traditional Indian setting, and sometimes even in places where Indians painted, saw, and perceived the divine and the Gods. These paintings, she explained, were satirical yet profound, and had a playful blend of culture and identity.

The discussion then moved on to Nilima Sheikh and her artworks, starting with the 12-painting series that depicted the life of Champa.
Geeti described Nilima’s series on Champa, a young girl married off early, whose story ends tragically with her engulfed in flames. There were depictions of the different parts of her life, from her riding a bicycle while going to school, to the final story where she is engulfed in flames, ending the chapter of her life.
Next Giles and Geeti talked about Nilima’s creation ‘Valley’ which was just a chaotic beauty with no real themes or divisions, but just the artist’s feelings of keeping the things that went on in her mind. Geeti noted that “Her works reflect an obsession with migrations, the ordinary, and the overlooked everyday life.”
The session then ended with a Q&A session where Geeti humorously replied to some questions posed by people and ended the discussion by signing the books.