The Art of Mehndi - Dark Publications

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Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
A stunning guide to the ultimate fashion statement by the henna body painter to the stars.

Mehndi, the ancient Indian art of henna design, is the hottest accessory sported by today's fashion world. Madonna made it famous in her Ray of Light videos; Liv Tyler showed it off on the cover of Vanity Fair; and Naomi Campbell flashed it on the catwalk. Now, Sumita Batra, mehndi artist to the stars, brings the definitive guide to this 3,000-year-old art form of body painting.

Among her many clients is Madonna, who asked Sumita Batra to decorate her hands and face for the 1998 MTV Video Awards ceremony. The Art of Mehndi delves into the history and symbolism of the art as well as mehndi in the fashion world of the 90s, and offers practical instruction on how to make and apply henna paste. More than 30 original designs, 125 color photographs, and 150 line drawings make this the must-have guide for both the fashion conscious and the spiritually conscious.

Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars

Rock stars and coffee tables July 12, 2000
28 out of 30 found this review helpful

Pros: This book is beautifully constructed and will impress anyone interested in mehndi, especially those looking for images of famous current personas who currently adorn the work of prolific artists like Batra. Furthermore, Ms. Batra gives detailed step-by-step instructions in drawing a variety of different mehndi designs - you don't find this step by step stuff in too many books.

Cons: While this books works well on the coffee table and for the ineperienced artist who wants to learn how to draw henna and understand the technique of application, it doesn't give you too many historical details about henna or insight into the symbolism. The book falls into the trap of being too modern, too sugar-coated, and too Hollywood-oriented -- beautiful stars sport henna in all of its pictures, as if the author wants you to notice the people than the art they are wearing.

Despite these shortcomings, this book has a distinct purpose to cater to people interested in mehndi in its popular form, and it succeeds quite well. As I mentioned before, the pictures and the construction are both beautiful. Also, Sumitra's designs gave me ideas for my own.

4 out of 5 stars

Nearly Best on the Market for Mehndi January 7, 2000
19 out of 19 found this review helpful

I have purchased nearly every book in English on the subject of mehndi and found this book to be the best for "showing" actual mehndi which anyone can produce given a little effort. The Art of Mehndi is very short on history. It makes a transition into the "modern" infatuation with it and bindis and other Indian cultural signafiers. Though the text may be limited at times and information just as limited, it does present incredible pictures of mehndi on numerous models and numerous styles. The best book for seeing actual designs on people and not flat 2-D designs. Well worth the money compared to other mehndi books on the market. If you want history in depth grab a copy of "Mehndi : The Timeless Art of Henna Painting" by Loretta Roome it contains all the indepth history of mehndi and a good chapter on symbolism.

4 out of 5 stars

The most color photos in one book! March 25, 2000
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

Oh, yeah! Don't let too many of your friends look at this book or it might mysteriously dissappear! For those wanting henna designs for personal use or business, this book is ALWAYS the one people are drawn to. If you take it with you on too many henna appointments, it WILL get worn out. The photos are fabulous, and the designs are neat and clean. Not to say that they are all simple, NO! There are some really frilly Indian hardcore designs, that if you are a beginner, will look like an impossibility. BUT, the methods and techniques described in this book give anyone a clear knowledge of the application of henna, it's only the practice you need to do the really crazy designs! Many celebrity and model photos, as well as some great ideas for using mehndi designs with body paint for more instant gratification.

5 out of 5 stars

Best book on mehndi December 12, 1999
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

This is the best book on the art of mehndi I have found. It is packed with color photo examples including many of stars such as Madonna & Gwen Stefani. The featured designs are both beautiful & unique.

The author starts out with a brief history including the wedding customs & symbolism of the designs in India, North Africa, the Middle East, & Asia. She also covers the trend as it has developed in the western world.

Next there are clear step-by-step instructions for preparing your skin, wrapping the cone, making the paste, & applying the henna. Even using stencils, applying transfers & painting freehand are expertly explained.

Numerous design illustrations follow including tips, tricks & techniques for decorating all parts of the body. I especially liked the floral necklace with bindis & vine belt designs. A resource list for both the US and UK is a nice bonus.

5 out of 5 stars very informative October 17, 1999
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Ms. Batra knows what she's talking about. I tried her Mehndi recipe and it has worked the best. The mehndi turns out to be a nice rich red colour. Very traditional of Indian Mehndi. Her designs and patterns are amazing. A lot of thought went into this book. I strongly recommend it.

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