My father, the photographer, specialises in photographing Art works. Painting, installations and so on.
Its an art.

I have started to accompany him on his shoots sometimes. I get to meet artists, spend hours in galleries under a comforting blanket of art.
Or the comforting blanket of not having to do anything except take in.

Its a theory of mine. We like watching, reading, eating, because they are valid, socially consenual excuses for not doing anything.
And not feeling guilty about not doing anything.

Anyway on one of these outings, I met the artist Ilaa Dev Pal, renowned, protege of Hussain. Also, poet, writer.
She sent her book to my place for me to read.. so that we can discuss it. Its a collection of expression through paintings and verse at the same time. Poetry on paintings. Poetry and paintings.
Its signed by Hussain.
"Poetry to be seen. Images to be read," says he.

xxx

She even has a Hussain cupboard at her studio. By that I mean the doors of the cupboard are a Hussain painting.

xxx

The greatest of us all need reassurance. All need praise.
So scared.. so scared of falling of.. that they hold on to.. hold on to.. purse strings.
Yes, purse strings.
The richer.. the more miserly.

Disclamer- Don't infer that i am speaking about Ilaa.