Anjolie Ela Menon turns 81, plans solo show in New York
The Hindu
The artist’s new Goat and Shepherd series is an ode to Nizamuddin in its pre-pandemic days
It is a bright July morning and we are lucky to have managed to catch painter Anjolie Ela Menon at home sipping tea with her gallerist and friend; most mornings, post 10 am, she is normally at her studio in Nizamuddin. The artist, who turns 81 today (June 17) is fairly buzzing with excitement, about her solo show at AICON Gallery. The New York-based gallery is known to feature art from notable Indian and Pakistani artists and Menon has already packed and sent off her works. Yet she remains in Delhi, home-bound due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also, because America is not issuing tourist visas to Indian citizens right now, even if they happen to be one of the country’s well-known modern painters. “It’s sad that I will not be able to attend my own solo show because for me it was a rather significant body of work, created at home during what has definitely been the most trying year for humanity,” says Menon, who has experienced a whole year of lockdown, besides recovering from a coronavirus infection herself. “I think it was painting that kept me sane and prevented me from going stir crazy,” says the Padma Shri awardee, who is always well-turned out with her signature red bindi, impeccably draped sari and warm smile. What is most admirable is that she has remained active even during her late 70s and now her early 80s.More Related News