“I wouldn’t pay a fortune for this painting. The artist’s earlier work was much better.” “He has learnt from experience.” “Then the quality should have improved……” “No. He has learnt that the value goes up with the venue of display and stature of visitors.” “Do I describe him as a dying artist or evolving artist?” … Continue reading Art
The survivor took great pride in declaring its Indian origin, and the philosophy of non-violence practised by a section of the population. “I pierced the cocoon to come out and am living a full life. The manufacturers still get the silk they need to make those luxurious and visually delightful sarees, but without killing the … Continue reading Conscious Fashion
“This is the art that brought me to another country. I was invited by a resident to decorate the alleys with cheap material, and I used rice powder.” “Anybody can do it.” “Yes. Maybe they can. But I kept innovating with my art. The movement from rice powder to vibrant colours got me international fame. … Continue reading All that is local
“Look for hidden clues or evidence left behind, but shift active investigation to Singapore. Criminals no longer active here.” The email raises many more questions. How did they manage to skip airport security and leave the country? Are the systems adequate to detect fake passports? More important than that is how did the chief arrive … Continue reading Spying
I feel the profundity of the dream, except that it’s not a dream. I’m awake. I’m in my senses, but my eyes are shut. It is a kind of meditative state. In space in time I sit thousands of feet above the sea. Below I see floating islands tagged with names and dates of centuries, … Continue reading Surrender
There’s something magical about the room, but not in a nice way. Is Ellen imagining the figure on the wall, or is it really there? Dad told her not to make up imaginary friends or foes. Wait and watch if the object under observation can really harm. The figure does not move, but something leaps … Continue reading Preparedness
It was her first taste of whiskey. “You look wasted. Learn to stop at the right time,” a so-called well-wisher quipped. “The first sip is the right time.” Gloria replies wryly. She is impressed by the exquisitely carved glass, not the drink. Disappointment boiled and fermented inside, till she changed completely as an individual. Her … Continue reading No impact
“Thai cooking is no joke without the right ingredients”, the celebrity chef grumbled, “I found galangal, but kaffir lime leaves are substituted with lemon zest.” “Don’t you think ingredients need to be sourced from abroad, for the astronomical price that you charge for a meal?” the local chef was feeling left out. “Understand the opportunity … Continue reading Exotica
This was his desk from where he texted customers every evening. “Have dirty linen to wash? You can trust us to maintain complete secrecy.” It was a marketing technique that worked reasonably well for him. Customers smiled as they handed over their laundry. One afternoon, a well-manicured hand filled the empty cup with coffee. He … Continue reading Dirty Linen
If a brain can spin, it happens inside these tiny heads. If I had a device to scan the insides of a skull, it would show two different colours on the left and right sides, with the capacity to interchange between left and right, and between the siblings. I’ve never seen any kid carve out … Continue reading Spinning brains
Creative Experiments and More 