Talks
Unboxing the Artist Book
Ravikumar Kashi, Ramesh Kalkur and Jayasimha Chandrashekhar
What happens when a book becomes more than just a vessel for words — when it transforms into a work of art itself? Artist books do just that, blurring the lines between literature, visual art, and sculpture. They are not just books about art but artworks in their own right — where form, material, and content come together in innovative and thought-provoking ways.
In this engaging conversation, celebrated artists Ravikumar Kashi and Ramesh Kalkur sit down with Jayasimha Chandrashekhar, an Artist and Printmaker, to explore the evolving language of artist books. From handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces to conceptual works and experimental forms, they’ll discuss the creative process, the power of storytelling through visuals, and the book as an object of art. Through their insights and experiences, discover how artist books push the boundaries of traditional formats and invite readers to experience art in an intimate, tactile way.
This event is part of the ongoing exhibition at MAP, We Don’t End at Our Edges.
Bookings
This event is fully booked.
Ravikumar Kashi
Ravikumar Kashi (b. 1968) is an artist, writer and educator whose practice revolves around exploring the mechanics of meaning-making. He holds a BFA in Painting from the College of Fine Arts, Bengaluru, an MFA in Printmaking from the Faculty of Fine Arts, MS University, Vadodara and a Master’s in English Literature from the University of Mysuru.
In 2001, he received the Charles Wallace India Trust Grant, which enabled him to study handmade papermaking under artist and printmaker J Parry, at the Glasgow School of Art. In 2009, he furthered his engagement with the medium, during a three-week hanji papermaking residency in Jang Ji Bang, South Korea, supported by the InKo Centre, Chennai. Since then, paper has become central to his artistic practice, incorporating handmade papers made from diverse fibres such as cotton, banana, hanji and Daphne.
Kashi has presented his work in solo exhibitions at Gallery Sumukha (Bengaluru), Pundole Art Gallery (Mumbai) and Vadehra Art Gallery (New Delhi), as well as internationally at the Glasgow School of Art, Air Gallery (London), Aicon Gallery (Palo Alto) and at exhibitions in Shanghai and Belforte del Chienti (Italy).
In addition to his visual practice, Ravikumar Kashi is a prolific writer. He has authored several books and columns and lectures extensively on visual art and culture in both Kannada and English. His book on art in Kannada, Kannele, was awarded the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi Award in 2015. He teaches at an architecture college in the city of Bengaluru, where he continues to live and work.
Ramesh Kalkur
He is a dedicated visual artist and educator with nearly three decades of experience in art and design education. With an MA in Fine Arts from the Royal College of Art in London, he has also earned a Post Diploma in Painting from the Faculty of Fine Art at M.S. University in Baroda and a Diploma in Painting from the Ken School of Art in Bangalore. Currently, he serves as the Associate Director of Academics at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, where he is deeply invested in visual art education and has facilitated units centered around the concept of artist books.
His teaching portfolio reflects his commitment to initiating dialogue in visual art education, encouraging students to explore and express their creativity. Over the years, he has held several solo exhibitions, including “Assemblages” at Pundole Art Gallery in Mumbai, and participated in significant group exhibitions like “The Great Indian Show.” His work has been showcased in various prestigious venues, and he has created a mural at the T2 Terminal in Mumbai. Through his artistic practice and educational initiatives, he continues to inspire and shape the next generation of artists, forming a vibrant and engaging art community.
Jayasimha Chandrashekar
Moderator
Jayasimha C. is an artist, printmaker, educator, and avid tinkerer with materials, deeply interested in their affordances. He is well-known for founding “Atelier Prati,” an independently run printmaking studio that serves as a platform for understanding community practices and their expanded interpretations. Currently, he teaches printmaking at Srishti Manipal Institute of
Art, Design and Technology.
With extensive experience collaborating with various artists and institutions, including Ranga Shankara and Maraa, Jayasimha has served as both an art director and designer. He has facilitated numerous printmaking workshops for young practitioners and independent artists.
His primary interests lie in print media and visual arts, and he is currently exploring themes of time, memory, influences, and metaphors through objects in his work. In addition to his artistic pursuits, he designs and builds custom-made presses for educational institutions and individual artists. Recently, he completed a project to design and establish the printmaking lab at Hampi Art Labs. Jayasimha’s commitment to his identity as a printmaker reflects his desire to make printmaking accessible to a wider audience, showcasing his readiness to engage with the intricate nuances of contemporary cultural and curatorial practices, thereby reinforcing his impact on the art community.
