thu 28/03/2024

theartsdesk Q&A: Sarnath Banerjee | reviews, news & interviews

theartsdesk Q&A: Sarnath Banerjee

theartsdesk Q&A: Sarnath Banerjee

Graphic novelist from India takes on Che Guevara in Africa

Sarnath Banerjee: 'Everybody has his own aesthetics; but mine are a bit… wonky.' K Gopinathan/The Hindu
When the subversive graphic artist Sarnath Banerjee won a MacArthur grant he opted "to research the sexual landscape of contemporary Indian cities", embroiling himself in the aphrodisiac market of old Delhi and introducing the English reading public to the great Hindi word swarnadosh (erm, "nocturnal emissions"). Banerjee (b. 1972) is generally credited with having introduced the graphic novel to India. Incorrectly, as it happens; but with Corridor (2004) and The Barn Owl’s Wondrous Capers (2007) – over and above his work as illustrator, publisher and film-maker – the Goldsmiths-trained Delhiite has more than made his mark on the rampant Indian art(s) scene.
When the subversive graphic artist Sarnath Banerjee won a MacArthur grant he opted "to research the sexual landscape of contemporary Indian cities", embroiling himself in the aphrodisiac market of old Delhi and introducing the English reading public to the great Hindi word swarnadosh (erm, "nocturnal emissions"). Banerjee (b. 1972) is generally credited with having introduced the graphic novel to India. Incorrectly, as it happens; but with Corridor (2004) and The Barn Owl’s Wondrous Capers (2007) – over and above his work as illustrator, publisher and film-maker – the Goldsmiths-trained Delhiite has more than made his mark on the rampant Indian art(s) scene.
I’m very interested in the disreputable men of history, especially the Big Men in Africa – the leaders known as the grandes légumes.

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