Primary Country (Mandatory)

United States

Other Country (Optional)

Set News Language for United States

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language[s] (Optional)
No other language available

Set News Language for World

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language(s) (Optional)

Set News Source for United States

Primary Source (Mandatory)
CNN
Other Source[s] (Optional)

Set News Source for World

Primary Source (Mandatory)
AajTak
Other Source(s) (Optional)
  • Countries
    • India
    • United States
    • Qatar
    • Germany
    • China
    • Canada
    • World
  • Categories
    • National
    • International
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Special
    • All Categories
  • Available Languages for United States
    • English
  • All Languages
    • English
    • Hindi
    • Arabic
    • German
    • Chinese
    • French
  • Sources
    • India
      • AajTak
      • NDTV India
      • The Hindu
      • India Today
      • Zee News
      • NDTV
      • BBC
      • The Wire
      • News18
      • News 24
      • The Quint
      • ABP News
      • Zee News
      • News 24
    • United States
      • CNN
      • Fox News
      • Al Jazeera
      • CBSN
      • NY Post
      • Voice of America
      • The New York Times
      • HuffPost
      • ABC News
      • Newsy
    • Qatar
      • Al Jazeera
      • Al Arab
      • The Peninsula
      • Gulf Times
      • Al Sharq
      • Qatar Tribune
      • Al Raya
      • Lusail
    • Germany
      • DW
      • ZDF
      • ProSieben
      • RTL
      • n-tv
      • Die Welt
      • Süddeutsche Zeitung
      • Frankfurter Rundschau
    • China
      • China Daily
      • BBC
      • The New York Times
      • Voice of America
      • Beijing Daily
      • The Epoch Times
      • Ta Kung Pao
      • Xinmin Evening News
    • Canada
      • CBC
      • Radio-Canada
      • CTV
      • TVA Nouvelles
      • Le Journal de Montréal
      • Global News
      • BNN Bloomberg
      • Métro
Haggar Cool 18 Classic Fit Pants Buy Now
Essentials Womens Fleece Short Buy Now
Regular Fit Straight Leg Jean Buy Now
Rdruko Men's Track Suits Buy Now
LUENX Men's Polarized Aviators Buy Now
Hoowel Smart Watch for Men and Women Buy Now
Men's Manicure & Pedicure Kit Buy Now
Polarized Sports Sunglasses 3-Pack Buy Now
Calvin Klein Hadley Crossbody Buy Now
Jacquard Cotton Silk Saree Buy Now
Bomber Jacket: Lightweight, Stylish for Spring/Fall Buy Now
QINSEN Square Neck Tank Top Buy Now
Lee Extreme Motion Pants Buy Now
EcoSmart Fleece Hoodie Buy Now
High-Waisted Workout Leggings Buy Now
Anne Klein Bracelet Watch Buy Now
Elastic High Waisted Wide Leg Dress Pants Buy Now
CRZ Yoga Butterluxe Leggings Buy Now
Olive Oil Dispenser Bottle for Kitchen Buy Now
Women's Tote Bag: Work, Travel, Gym Buy Now
Haggar Cool 18 Classic Fit Pants Buy Now
Essentials Womens Fleece Short Buy Now
Regular Fit Straight Leg Jean Buy Now
Rdruko Men's Track Suits Buy Now
LUENX Men's Polarized Aviators Buy Now
Hoowel Smart Watch for Men and Women Buy Now
Men's Manicure & Pedicure Kit Buy Now
Polarized Sports Sunglasses 3-Pack Buy Now
Calvin Klein Hadley Crossbody Buy Now
Jacquard Cotton Silk Saree Buy Now
MoreBack to News Headlines
Reema Desai Gehi: ‘Rudi epitomised the role of a catalyst’

Reema Desai Gehi: ‘Rudi epitomised the role of a catalyst’

The Hindu
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 3:10 AM GMT

Reema Desai Gehi, the author of a book about Rudolf Von Leyden, the art critic who catalysed Bombay’s Progressive Art Movement, talks about its genesis and journey

Reema Desai Gehi talks about how she was first introduced to the German art critic Rudolf Von Leyden, “Rudi”. She was the special art correspondent at a popular Mumbai tabloid when Sayed Haider Raza, one of the founding members of the Bombay Progressive Artists’ Group (PAG) passed away on 23 July 2016 at the age of 94. “Since he was a Bombay man who was part of a seminal art movement, my editor and I thought we should do more than an obituary,” says Reema, who launched her book, The Catalyst: Rudolf Von Leyden and India’s Artistic Awakening, a biography of the seminal art critic at the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), last month.  

They decided that an interview with the artist Krishen Khanna, the last surviving member of the Bombay Progressive Artists’ Group, would be a fitting tribute to Raza, “I booked my flight ticket, went to Delhi and spent two or three hours with him,” says Reema. Towards the end of the interview, as she was waiting for her taxi, Krishen Khanna suddenly asked her what the media group she worked with was doing with the writings of Rudi Von Leyden, who was the art critic of one of the group’s other publications. “I looked at him quizzically and said nothing,” she says, recalling how Khanna told her that since she was already sitting in that office, she should do something about it.  

This piqued her curiosity, she says. When she returned to Mumbai, she visited the archive rooms at her office building and began delving into the work of Von Leyden, a Jewish refugee from Germany, who moved here in 1933. “He was supposed to be here for six months, thinking that the situation back home would settle down. But we all know what went down,” says Reema. “And six months became 35 years.” 

Intrigued by what she had discovered in the archives, Reema found herself wanting to know more about the man who Khanna told her was the kingpin of the art world. “That is a very loaded label to put on someone. For the last seven years, I was unravelling who this kingpin was and what made him a kingpin,” she says.  

The extensive research, in turn, led to this book which was published by Speaking Tiger earlier this year. “I was not just interested in his writings,” says Reema, adding that the book is not a critical appraisal of his work, but the retelling of the story of the man who was instrumental in shaping one of the most seminal moments in Indian art history. “There were so many aspects to him. He was a cultured person, interested in poetry, art, theatre, beat music, philanthropy...very much a Renaissance man.’ 

Edited extracts of an interview 

Could you talk about the title, The Catalyst, and how it ties into the larger narrative of the book, especially with respect to Rudi’s contribution to the Bombay Progressive Artists’ Group?  

Read full story on The Hindu
Share this story on:-
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running GamePlay Run 3, the ultimate space tunnel running game with 300+ challenging levels!Adv.
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing GameTraffic Jam 3D is a game where you’ll be driving through heavy traffic.Adv.
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic GamePlay the classic 1984 light gun shooter game Duck Hunt on your browser.Adv.
More Related News
Gujarat High Court acquits three in 2002 post-Godhra riots case, cites lack of ‘reliable evidence’

Gujarat High Court acquits three men in 2002 post-Godhra riots case due to unreliable evidence, overturning previous conviction.

Assam begins eviction drive to clear encroached forest land on Nagaland boundary

Assam government conducts eviction drive to clear encroached forest land, sparking tensions with Nagaland over boundary dispute.

Even after four years, basic works pending in our wards, say councillors

Madurai Corporation councillors express frustration over lack of basic civic amenities, Mayor promises improvements, officials vow action.

Coimbatore Unlimited 3.0: Series of panel discussions to be held in three cities

Coimbatore Unlimited 3.0, a series of panel discussions presented by G Square and powered by The Hindu Group will focus on urban transformation and intelligent investments in Coimbatore.

Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation inks MoU with Google Play to train students as game developers

Tamil Nadu partners with Google Play and Unity to train computer science students in game development under 'Naan Mudhalvan' programme.

Senior citizen dies in suspected stray dog attack in Bengaluru

68-year-old man killed in suspected stray dog attack in Kempegowda Nagar, Kodigehalli; police await autopsy report for confirmation.

Opposition parties in Lok Sabha question the government on accountability for the Pahalgam terror attack, ‘ineffective’ foreign policy

Opposition leaders criticise Modi government over Pahalgam terror attack, intelligence failure and lack of security in Lok Sabha debate.

Vendors divided over reconstruction of Central Market in Kozhikode

Central Market vendors in Kozhikode divided over proposed reconstruction, sparking legal battle and protests over eviction and project details.

Sub-Inspector couple suspended as the police probe their role in Tirunelveli caste killing

Sub-Inspectors suspended after son's alleged murder of Scheduled Caste youth, investigation ongoing, family demands justice, not compensation.

Only court can offer solace to Harshina, says Mullappally

Former KPCC president demands justice for medical negligence victim through court intervention after government compensation failure.

New blood group not found anywhere else in the world discovered at Rotary Bangalore TTK Blood Centre

Historic discovery of new blood group 'CRIB' in South Indian woman at Rotary Bangalore TTK Blood Centre.

Chennai Metro Rail Limited to do detailed feasibility study for setting up cable cars, ropeways in Mamallapuram, Ooty, and Kodaikanal

Feasibility study by CMRL for cable cars in Mamallapuram, Udhagamandalam, and Kodaikanal to connect popular tourist spots.

CPI (M) leaders stop technicians from installing smart meters in Ongole

CPI (M) members in Ongole City stop installation of smart prepaid electricity meters, demand consumer consent, protest planned.

Parking Slot | Free Parking GamePlay Parking Slot, the best online 3D car driving and parking game.Adv.
Slope Ball Run - Play OnlineSlope Game takes you on an exciting journey of a ball on special paths.Adv.
Mamata unfazed after Delhi police claim video she posted was fabricated

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee faces Delhi Police claim of fabricated video, urges migrant family to return home.

Three Pakistani militants killed in Dachigam encounter: Army

Indian security forces eliminate three Pakistani militants responsible for Pahalgam attack in joint operation, restoring peace in Kashmir.

In Lok Sabha, Amit Shah hits out at Chidambaram over terrorists’ link to Pakistan

Amit Shah accuses Chidambaram of giving clean chit to Pakistan, claims PoK legacy of Nehru, roots of terrorism in Pakistan.

E-khata drive from October 22 to November 1

Deputy CM announces e-khata awareness drive, B Khata conversion, welfare schemes, and improved infrastructure in Bengaluru.

Bombay High Court grants bail to three PFI accused, cites lack of prima facie evidence of terrorism

Aurangabad High Court grants bail to PFI members, ruling participation in activities doesn't constitute terrorism under UAPA.

Constitute grievance panel for NEET candidates facing technical issues: Delhi High Court tells NTA

Delhi High Court orders NTA to form grievance committee for NEET candidates facing technical issues, ensuring fair evaluation.

Netherlands bars two hardline Israeli ministers

Netherlands declares Israeli ministers persona non grata, supports humanitarian aid for Gaza amid famine crisis.

Avinashi Road flyover in Coimbatore city faces fresh issues

Multiple issues related to Avinashi Road flyover in Coimbatore city threaten safety of motorists and are likely to delay completion of the project

Andhra Pradesh government forms committees for Partnership Summit 2025 in Visakhapatnam

Andhra Pradesh government forms committees for Partnership Summit 2025 in Visakhapatnam, focusing on economic transformation and industrial growth.

Nagara Panchami celebrated with pomp and gaiety in coastal belt

Nagara Panchami celebrated with fervor in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, devotees throng temples for serpent worship.

Rajnath urges international community to curb terror funding, labels Pakistan as ‘nursery of terrorism’ in Rajya Sabha

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urges international community to stop funding terrorism in Pakistan, highlighting India's strong stance.

J.V. Satyanarayana Murthy elected Chairman of Visakhapatnam Cooperative Bank

J.V. Satyanarayana Murthy and Chalasani Raghavendra Rao elected Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Visakhapatnam Cooperative Bank.

© 2008 - 2025 Webjosh  |  News Archive  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us