Books
Calcutta : Repossessing the City
This evocative book artfully juxtaposes colonial Kolkata with the modern metropolis, unveiling the city’s inherent contradictions. Traversing from Chitteshwari in the north – to Kalighat in the south, it explores the city’s historic neighbourhoods and winding lanes. Kejriwal’s images, accompanied by detailed captions, provide an intimate view of the city’s soul. This work serves as a tribute to Kolkata’s rich character and history, offering a poignant perspective on its seamless blending of old and new.
Flurys of Calcutta: The Cake that Walked
Co-authored by Leena Kejriwal and Bachi Karkaria, this 156-page tome is a heartwarming tribute to Flurys, the iconic tearoom on Park Street, Kolkata. The book not only traces the tearoom’s history, from its inception by Swiss couple Joseph and Frieda Flury in 1927 but also offers a glimpse into the socio-economic changes that shaped it over the years. Through engaging narratives and vivid imagery, “Cake That Walked” captures the tearoom’s transformation from a smoky establishment to a swanky destination while retaining the essence of its beloved pastries. This book is a delightful journey through time, showcasing how Flurys has remained an enduring part of Kolkata’s cultural heritage.
In The Shadows: Unknown Craftsmen of Bengal
Co-authored by Payal Mohanka and Leena Kejriwal, this book chronicles the lives, crafts, and future of people living in six rural areas of West Bengal, where the economy is driven by rather unusual professions. One cluster of craftsmen churns out wigs; others make lights, polo balls, boats, shuttlecocks, and jeans. These occupations have been passed down generations and are now practised by craftsmen with the promise to keep old family traditions alive for the next century to see.
Unfolding: Contemporary Indian Textiles
“Unfolding,” co-authored by Leena Kejriwal and Maggie Baxter, offers a timely exploration of how India’s diverse textile craft traditions have evolved in the 21st century. The book showcases the innovative reinterpretations and adaptations of these traditions within a modern cultural context, creating a fresh visual language rooted in Indian heritage. Readers are introduced to 23 designers and artists who push boundaries in craft revival, surface treatment, texture, minimalism, and narrative. The book celebrates the fusion of tradition and contemporary creativity. It also highlights Indian artists who integrate fibre and fabric into their studio and gallery practices.