Oxford Bookstore Art Book Prize Unveils 2026 Shortlist Celebrating Indian Art Publications

The Oxford Bookstore Art Book Prize, a prestigious award that recognizes exemplary art publications in the English language, has announced its shortlist for 2026. Established in 2022, this initiative is a collaboration between Oxford Bookstore and the Visual Arts Gallery, aiming to honor the creative contributions of publishers, artists, and researchers in the realm of art and culture in India.

The award invites participation from a diverse range of contributors, including independent artists, academic researchers, and collectives, who play an integral role in the development and production of art publications. This year, the competition promises to be fierce, with five remarkable titles vying for the coveted cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.

The shortlisted works showcase a spectrum of themes and narratives that reflect the rich tapestry of Indian art. Leading the list is “From the Depth of the Mould, Meera Mukherjee (1923-1998), A Centenary Tribute,” edited by Tapati Guha-Thakurta and published by Jadavpur University Press. This title pays homage to the influential artist Meera Mukherjee, celebrating her legacy and impact on contemporary art.

Another notable entry is “The Big Book of Indian Art: An Illustrated History of Indian Art from Its Origins to the Present Day” by Bina Sarkar Ellias, published by Aleph Book Company. This comprehensive volume offers readers an expansive view of the evolution of Indian art, intricately tracing its development over centuries.

Additionally, “Kalakari: A Journey Through Indian Folk Art” by Simran Tapadia, released by Pan Macmillan India, explores the vibrant world of Indian folk art, providing insights into its various forms and cultural significance. Similarly, “Zoraver and the Lost Gods,” authored by Abeer Kapoor and illustrated by Ujan Dutta, published by Bloomsbury India, presents a captivating narrative that weaves together mythology and artistry.

Lastly, the collection includes “Histories in the Making: Photographing Indian Monuments 1855-1920,” edited by Sudeshna Guha and published by DAG. This engaging book discusses the historical context and significance of Indian monuments captured through the lens of photography during a transformative period in the country’s history.

The Oxford Bookstore Art Book Prize not only highlights the exceptional talent within India’s art community but also encourages the continued exploration and appreciation of art in its myriad forms. As the award ceremony approaches, anticipation is building to see which title will take home the prestigious prize and further contribute to the dialogue surrounding art in India.

Source: scroll.in