Amrita Sher-Gil

Graphic Book Review: Yet another of those graphic books which you might be mistaken to think is only for children (its published by Harper Collins Childrens division), I was drawn to this accidentally on Amazon because of my interest in painting and art. I had seen few famous paintings of Amrita Shergil and knew her to be a beautiful woman who sadly died very young at the age of 28, but nothing more.This book is a graphic illustrated biography laid out in a very interesting and bewitching manner. While narrating her life story beginning with how her parents met (an Indian Sikh father and a Hungarian pianist mother), the story is interspersed with historical background of the momentous times she lived in : Two world wars, Indian freedom movement, and major changes in the art world. Photographs, letter extracts, prints of her paintings and illustrations of her life story (done by the talented illustrator Kalyani Ganapathy) blend in a beautiful way to carry the story forward in a gentle, lucid manner.One of those rare magical books you marvel to have laid your hands on. The author Anita has done extensive research on previous biographies and published works of Amrita's life and art and the result is a beautiful collage. Someday have to visit NGMA in Delhi where much of Amrita's work donated by her family to the nation are exhibited. Till then this book will charm me and I will treasure it for aeons....

This book is certainly a very well written portrait of Amrita Shergill and her times (and not just for children). Well chosen paintings and beautifully put together. Perhaps the only quibble I would have is the layout, which is explained in the introduction. It is commendable that all the information, including historical - which is certainly interesting - could be fitted in, but it's not entirely reader-friendly and draws attention away from the flow. Nevertheless, I would definitely recommend this book.

The book is written for children, and the tone and language suit the target audience. Real photographs, copies of Amrita's paintings, excerpts from diaries and letters and the beautiful illustrations are very captivating. However, I do think that the editor really dropped the ball on this book, it's filled with grammatical and other copywriting errors. Books for kids should teach them a lot, including good editing imo

It is important for our young generation to know about our artists, musicians and scientists. However, the number of books on these topics especially on the artists are very limited. The book "Amrita Sher-Gil: Rebel with a paintbrush" is an extraordinary book that is a fruit of a fine collaboration between the author Anita Vachharajani and the illustrator Kalyani Ganapathy. The book on the life and the passion for creativity of Amrita Sher-Gil features some of her famous paintings and the stories behind them. I purchased the book for the young readers, but flipping through the pages, I could not put it down. The quality of the print and the paper are good, the price is modest. Expecting more such book from the author in the future.

My 9 year old and I simply looovvveddd this labour of love . The context of Shergill’s life across continents taken you on a roller coaster ride that is rich , sensorial and absolutely delectable. The book is unputdownable ... gently talks to the reader and one steps into the colorful and rebellious world of Amrita .The style conversational , research deep and illustrations mesmerising... this book is an absolutely treat !!!Am hoping for more in the series of India Artists !! Anita and team take a bow !! Kudos !

The media could not be loaded.  this is my replaced product.. again I receive a damaged book.

Rebel with a Paintbrush is a biography of Amrita Sher-Gil, the Hungarian-Indian artist. The target audience is children and young adults. The content is superb with great writing, illustrations and many gorgeous glossy prints of Sher-Gil's work. The production quality of the book is great. Buy it as a gift for children or gift it to yourself.

Loved this gorgeous and beautifully written book! A beautiful dive into the world of this important artist for Adults & Kids. The historical background and illustrations also support the text perfectly.

Rebel With a Paintbrush, is a well written and illustrated book for children and adults. What is exceptional about this book is that it situates her life and work through the arc of history of Art and the geo-political upheavals ongoing in Europe and in the subcontinent of India and Pakistan. It details her personal and professional growth in language which is accessible to all. I am hopeful that many young girls will be inspired to go on their own journeys and discover their voice. I was left saddened that she was lost to the world in 1941 from an easily preventive disease, having passed through the perils of the Spanish Flu in her childhood (not clear if her 1918 bout of illness was due to the Spanish Flu or not but the timing makes one wonder). I am glad that her work is enshrined in India's national museums. Once again thank you to the author and illustrator for a wonderful book on a wonderful woman.

Loved this gorgeous and beautifully written book! A beautiful dive into the world of this important artist for Adults & Kids. The historical background and illustrations also support the text perfectly.