A passionate study of a largely unexplored art form, this book explores the origin and historic evolution of the art of theatrical backdrops in India. Backdrop painters had to transfer their art from a piece of paper to a curtain of larger size, all the while retaining their aesthetic quality and utilitarian value. To understand such artists and their art, the author conducted illuminating interviews and carried out painstaking photo-documentation of actual backdrops at esteemed organizations like Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangha, Mumbai Marathi Natya Sangha, Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, Bharat Natya Rang Mandir and Goa Kala Academy to name a few. The result is an in-depth analysis of the art of painted backdrops and their artistic influences, stages of preparation, use of perspective, sciography, etc. The author also gives an insider's view of the art of his grandfather - the legendary Shri V.V Divkar, who painted backdrops for theatre doyens and companies like V. Shantaram. Calcutta Theatre Co., etc.
This book is the outcome of a Research Grant by the MMR-HICS (Mumbai Metropolitan Region-Heritage Conservation Society), set-up by the MMRDA. Studio Gestalt Pune is the Project Consultant.