“Men of Rajasthan” a book presenting pictorial analysis by Waswo X. Waswo with contribution of hand colorist Rajesh Soni, Maya Kovsakya & Amrita Gupta Singh.

This illustrative book portrays all about the picturesque splendor & people of Udaipur. It’s Author’s assessment to demonstrate a live representation of the life, people & beauty of the city. Writing is breezy, alive & intuitive.

About Author

Waswo, who hails from Milwaukee in USA, never had any idea that his frolicsome vacation to Udaipur would turn out to be a major whirling point of his life. This frivolous visit to one of the most stunning cities of the World imprisoned his heart & he decided to be here from then on. Waswo always dreamt of creating a certain type of portrait studio in Rajasthan. Waswo studies Photography from Miwaukee Center of Photography, and Studio Maragoni, The Centre for Contemproray Photpgraphy in Florence.

About Publisher

Published by Serindia Publication Chicago, this book leads us towards a delightful & dreamy journey of various common Rajasthani men and their common lives.

Review

The writer has paid attention to every single iota of detail about Rajasthani men, their profession, habits, lifestyle, thinking patters, religious & social beliefs etc. Like Rajasthani Society is patriarchal or male dominated. But the book is not as bulky as it sounds due to its “detailing” element. It’s just perfect sketch of Udaipur.

Waswo has chosen a completely unique approach towards compiling this priceless possession. The whole book is full of pictures & sketches at left side of pages & their awe-inspiring depiction on the opposite side. Models/ Subject of photos are picked out of general mass. With the appropriate expressions & poses of models, & the outstanding talent of Waswo & his team has made it all together exclusive piece of art.

The author has demonstrated Rajasthan with his eyes (views). A very deep, simulative & contemplative approach is being used. Writer has also explained the reasons of choosing particular models in his photos. All models belong to general mass, which injects a sense of originality in the picture.

By saying that “Multiple interpretations can give arts its power”, the author has left few pics for viewers to choose its own meaning.

The feeling after reading the book:

After the book is over, I felt lost into the swirl of Rajasthani people & their way of life. It seems like the author has got hold on the pulse of the people of old Udaipur & their everyday life.

What stroked to my mind is the capability of artist to transmit a lot through simple words & fantabulous photography. Photographs with descriptions have made it a page-turner.

Writer’s subjects or models of photography are focused on very common people in our day today life like Rikshawallahs, Vendors, Barbers, Charawallahs and villagers. He has chosen the common people to make the panoramic narration more alive and interesting. The models look well polished in making poses and presenting the life and culture of Mewar.

For whom (which type of reader would like ) :

It would be a little bit off the leak sort of book as its not one of those maps, guides or unexciting encyclopedias with just lots of overload about confusing information. It’s an ideal pick for explorers of Rajasthan & for those who have their heart & soul in Photography. As the Photographs are concerned, they are telling their own tale in the outstanding book. Author has succeeded in his aim to win the hearts of readers.

The subjects or models which are portrayed in photograph are a very common person who doesn’t know anything about modeling and that’s why their poses are so innate and make this pictorial piece of art all springy & attention grabbing piece.

This beautiful compilation of Rajasthan has a touch of affinity, which every Udaipuriete would feel, as it mentions the general mass as its pictorial subjects & almost all places of Udaipur.

As it’s mentioned above that the book is compiled for specific segments of readers like those who are all into the discovery & exploration of Rajasthani culture & its people. Rest of the segment of readers may find it a bit off the beat as it is not a chick lit type of read. Reader has to have that scrutinizing and empathic sense towards the common people and a culture of Rajasthan. So for those who don’t have their finger in this pie, it might be a lackluster for them.

So explorers of Rajasthan, Don’t miss the copy of “Men of Rajasthan” by Waswo X. Waswo.

Availability:

Readers can pick their copies from :

• Sun Book Point, 117, Bhattyani Chotta, Near Laxmi Temple, Lake Palace Road.Contact: 9983191717.

• Bougainvillaea Gallery, 280 Rani Road, Fateh Sagar Lake, Contact: 9929596583.

Price: Rs. 800/-