So went the 1940s—a decade split into wartime devastation and scarcity, followed by peacetime innovation and abundance.

Kelly Grovier explores the unexpected origins of seven terms coined in art history, including the political meaning of ‘silhouette’ – and the roots of the word ‘mob’.

I met him in Kurunegala in his new home, where he had moved to after his art sanctuary – the Shrubbery – close to Kurunegala town went into oblivion due to vandalism and threats. His entire being ...