Tara Books is a collective of writers, artists and designers, based in Chennai, south India.
We publish illustrated and handmade books for children and adults. We also work with artists, writers and designers across the world. Known for our richly illustrated books, we offer a unique list that includes titles in children’s literature, photography, graphic novels, art and art education. We hope to display our book-craft titles, as well as those that are a testimony to cutting-edge book design – at KL Art Book Fair.
Country: India
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tara_books/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraBooks/
Website: https://tarabooks.com/
Primary Contact Person: Arumugam Chinnasamy
Email: arumugam@tarabooks.com
Contact no.: +919962525739
Business Name: Tara Books Private Limited
Address: Plot no. 9, CGE Colony, Off Kuppam Beach Road
Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai - 600041. India
Website / Link to Portfolio: https://tarabooks.com/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CKk-FYZ5da4fP58O1uVgwSj-V01axUzM/view?usp=drive_link
Publication/Work:
1. BIRDS LIKE TREES
JAMBU SINGAD
An artist from the Bhil tribal community in Central India offers us a unique vision of the connection between birds, trees, and the human beings who live in this landscape. He is inspired by actual observation of the natural world, rural life and lore, and the imaginative freedom of an artist to render these symbiotic relationships. The result is a set of beautifully drawn trees and birds – each of which is a small cosmos in itself. Singad’s reflections on his paintings take the
reader through both nature and the world of art.
Jambu Singad is from the indigenous Bhil village of Balwon in the state of Madhya Pradesh. His ancestors were originally forest-dwellers and hunter-gatherers, and some amongst them settled into agriculture at some point in time. Over time, Bhil people have also moved out of their village homes and to cities in search of work. Jambu works as a gardener in a museum in the city, and paints in his spare time. But he returns home to farm, when needed. This is his first book.
2 LIBERTY
PAUL ELUARD, RATHNA RAMANATHAN
An unusual, bold and founded visual interpretation of a modern classic – which pushes its meanings in ways that help us rethink present-day political concerns to do with migration, labour and the prison.
Paul Eluard’s profound contribution to French literature is well known. His legacy in fact stretches even further, leaving an indelible mark on modern poetry across the world. Eluard was Initially associated with the Surrealist movement, and his work contributed to it. This contemporary English version of Liberté pays homage to this connection. Deriving her inspiration from Surrealist imagery, ephemera and typography, archival research and contemporary global events, designer Rathna Ramanathan illustrates the poem through a powerful visual narrative made up of icons, images and signs. Affirming the Surrealists’ commitment to international peace and justice, Liberty is a timeless ode to freedom: from war, tyranny and hunger.
Rathna Ramanathan has steered the design philosophy of Tara since the very beginning, working on over 25 titles, as well as creating distinctive catalogues and exhibitions. In the process, she can be said to have pioneered innovative children’s book design in India. Her main interest is in typography—as showcased in many of our titles—as well as in changing the form of the book. She runs minus9, her own graphic design studio, and is currently the Head of College and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Arts, at the Central Saint Martins College in London.
Tara Books
Tara Books is a collective of writers, artists and designers, based in Chennai, south India.
We publish illustrated and handmade books for children and adults. We also work with artists, writers and designers across the world. Known for our richly illustrated books, we offer a unique list that includes titles in children’s literature, photography, graphic novels, art and art education. We hope to display our book-craft titles, as well as those that are a testimony to cutting-edge book design – at KL Art Book Fair.
Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai - 600041. India
1. BIRDS LIKE TREES
JAMBU SINGAD
An artist from the Bhil tribal community in Central India offers us a unique vision of the connection between birds, trees, and the human beings who live in this landscape. He is inspired by actual observation of the natural world, rural life and lore, and the imaginative freedom of an artist to render these symbiotic relationships. The result is a set of beautifully drawn trees and birds – each of which is a small cosmos in itself. Singad’s reflections on his paintings take the
reader through both nature and the world of art.
Jambu Singad is from the indigenous Bhil village of Balwon in the state of Madhya Pradesh. His ancestors were originally forest-dwellers and hunter-gatherers, and some amongst them settled into agriculture at some point in time. Over time, Bhil people have also moved out of their village homes and to cities in search of work. Jambu works as a gardener in a museum in the city, and paints in his spare time. But he returns home to farm, when needed. This is his first book.
2 LIBERTY
PAUL ELUARD, RATHNA RAMANATHAN
An unusual, bold and founded visual interpretation of a modern classic – which pushes its meanings in ways that help us rethink present-day political concerns to do with migration, labour and the prison.
Paul Eluard’s profound contribution to French literature is well known. His legacy in fact stretches even further, leaving an indelible mark on modern poetry across the world. Eluard was Initially associated with the Surrealist movement, and his work contributed to it. This contemporary English version of Liberté pays homage to this connection. Deriving her inspiration from Surrealist imagery, ephemera and typography, archival research and contemporary global events, designer Rathna Ramanathan illustrates the poem through a powerful visual narrative made up of icons, images and signs. Affirming the Surrealists’ commitment to international peace and justice, Liberty is a timeless ode to freedom: from war, tyranny and hunger.
Rathna Ramanathan has steered the design philosophy of Tara since the very beginning, working on over 25 titles, as well as creating distinctive catalogues and exhibitions. In the process, she can be said to have pioneered innovative children’s book design in India. Her main interest is in typography—as showcased in many of our titles—as well as in changing the form of the book. She runs minus9, her own graphic design studio, and is currently the Head of College and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Arts, at the Central Saint Martins College in London.