Thu Feb 06 07:21:39 UTC 2025: ## Coimbatore Artist’s Book Traces Evolution of Modern Indian Art
**COIMBATORE, February 6, 2025** – Monikhaa, a visual communication artist and author, will discuss her book, *Naveena Indhiya Oviyam: Varalaarum Vimarsanamum* (Modern Indian Art: History and Criticism), at Perks Matriculation School on February 2nd. The book, published in 2023, is the culmination of over a decade of research and chronicles the evolution of modern Indian painting, from Raja Ravi Varma to Gulammohammed Sheikh.
Written in Tamil, Monikhaa’s work aims to bridge the gap between academic art history and public understanding. It covers major art movements like the Santiniketan school and the Progressive Artists’ Group, highlighting the differences between northern and southern artistic discourses. The book also explores the concept of modernism in India, examining whether Indian artists simply adopted Western techniques or infused them with indigenous elements.
Monikhaa critiques the current state of art preservation in India, contrasting it with the more comprehensive approaches she’s witnessed abroad. While acknowledging recent improvements, such as the Keezhadi Museum, she stresses the need for better public dissemination of contemporary art.
The author also shares her experiences experimenting with AI art generation, using ChatGPT to create images related to the Chola period. She found the results lacking the soul and joy inherent in traditional painting, highlighting the unique connection artists have with their handcrafted work.
Monikhaa’s discussion with art historian Vittal Rao on February 2nd promises to be a significant event, furthering a conversation about documenting, critiquing, and celebrating the vibrant evolution of Indian art.
First Piper 