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New Toshu Artist: Akshay Tijare

‘I implant parts of real machines into the objects I build and draw to guide the viewer into thinking about the figure as a machine. Once the idea of the machine is established, the relationship between its organic life form and its mechanical origin can be explored. It is my intent to position the figure in a way that allows the viewer to partake in the process of imagination’, Akshay Tijare.

Influenced by cubistic, futuristic and surrealist theories, his work is inspired by motion and energy, mechanical objects and machinery, as well as recent developments in cloning and genetic engineering, restlessly and passionately exploring an ever thinning line between the natural and the artificial.

Whether you are a science fiction enthusiast, you grew up in a world of video games, are curious about the increasing technological manipulation of life, or just have passion for cars and mechanical objects or intricate drawings, you will love Akshays’work.

We are very happy to welcome Akshay to Toshu. 

Discover more about Akshay and his work on http://www.toshu.eu/profile.php?n=13.

'Peace begins with a smile ...', Mother Teresa. 

Such a simple message, and yet so true, powerful, and evocative of this remarkable lady.

Indeed no-one else can be said to have touched the hearts of people the world over in the way she has, from any nationality, from any walk of life and from any religion. By 1997 her Missionaries of Charity Sisters congregation, which she founded in Calcutta in 1950, counted 4000 sisters worldwide, organised in 610 foundations in 123 countries, working every day with the poor and dispossessed to help and inspire them.

The greatest leaders have spoken about Mother Teresa, but the most eloquent words came from a man in Calcutta who once said ‘I am a very simple man. I have a hand to mouth existence. What the big leaders, and the religious leaders and political leaders decide, I don’t know. But I can say for myself and for the average person in Calcutta, she is already a saint.’ She dedicated her life to him, and to million others like him, and truly made a difference.

‘Mother of Peace’ by artist Manish Modi is an intense reminder of the life of this amazing woman, and of her daily fight to bring love to others and make the world a better place.

The quotes were taken from the official website of the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Centre (http://www.motherteresa.org/layout.html), where more information can be found on her life and her work.

More information on Manish, 'Mother of Peace', and his work on http://toshu.eu/artist_profile.php?n=5.

The fascinating world of printmaking: Woodcut

Discover the secrets of Woodcut in the first in a series of short Toshu videos introducing the Art of printmaking. 

Printmaking is the process of creating multiple artworks in limited editions by printing, generally with ink, each of which is considered as an ’original print’. There are a number of techniques used for printmaking with mediums such as metal plates, wood blocks, stones and stencils.

Woodcut is one of the oldest techniques dating as far back as the 15th century. Previously used to print on fabrics, it was then adapted to paper.

Watch Anil Kumar Simhadri demonstrate the technique.

Find out more about Anil on www.toshu.eu.

 'I really feel that I am not a creator, perhaps, I am a seeker', Manish Modi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. 

Born in a family of newspaper merchants, his fascination for the printed medium as an object as well as its power and impact on communities is always present in Manish’s work. 

But beyond the newspapers, are the events and the people that have shaped the transformation of India and the world, altogether inspiring him to depict images full of meaning and intensity, but also full of contrasts and reflections, always addressing past and current global issues.  

His incredible talent and eagerness to experiment with techniques and colour schemes were honoured with prestigious awards including the Bombay Art Society Award for painting, and the State and National Lalit Kala Academy Awards for painting.

Toshu is very proud to present Manish as its very first Featured Artist. 

Watch him describe his work in his own words in this video, and discover more about him and his work on www.toshu.eu.

A warm welcome to Toshu !

India leaves no-one indifferent. It is a nation that is going through many changes and whose global presence is growing each day. Rich of centuries of tradition and filled with talent, the country boasts a growing art scene with amazing work to be discovered.

Many young artists are today mixing the use of traditional art forms and techniques, with modern designs and perspectives that reflect their heritage, personal experiences, and the environment they live in. They illustrate through their eyes and talent India today.

The aim of Toshu is to bring the work of those talented artists to the rest of the world so all may discover India past and present through their eyes.

Toshu provides a platform for those amazing artists to present themselves and their work beyond the boundaries of India, and gives everyone, everywhere, the opportunity to acquire unique artwork and a piece of modern India.

All at Toshu are committed to bring you the best of India today, and wish you a great experience. We hope that you will enjoy what you discover.

Serge Perkoff
Toshu founder