Bengali Little Magazine: When poets are cover artists/ বাংলা লিট্‌ল ম‌্যাগাজিন : কবির প্রচ্ছদ

Abstract

The relationship between poetry and images is timeless. But isn't the connection between poets and images also long-standing? Poets have often created self-portraits, designed book covers, or illustrated little magazines. My essay focuses specifically on the covers designed by poets for Bengali little magazines. I've attempted to understand the style of these covers, the poets' calligraphy, artistic vision, and more. The essay explores what makes these covers unique and the originality behind them. Sometimes, it also touches on the stories behind the creation of these covers. Even in recent times, poet-designed covers for Bengali little magazines continue to thrive, making this aspect a lasting legacy in the world of Bengali little magazines.

             The essay showcases the cover designs of poets like Shakti Chattopadhyay, Sunil Gangopadhyay, Tarapada Roy, Binoy Majumdar, Manindra Gupta, and Purnendu Pattrea, among others. It discusses not only the colour and layout of the covers but also the typography and calligraphy. The essay asks: How different are the covers designed by poets, who may not have formal training in art, from those designed by professional artists? Did the poet-designed covers change the face of Bengali little magazines? These questions are explored in the essay.