A one-day exhibition, ‘The Traditional and Folk Art Painting’s exhibition,’ held in the city recently brought together art from different regions of the country. The collection of 48 works by paramparik artists was vibrant with gambolling animals, peacocks and moonlight washed surreal trees, against which gods and goddesses play out their eternal ‘leela.’ Those who missed the exhibition can go to Concern India premises in Teynampet (Second Floor, New No. 11, Old No. 6/1, Venkatarathinam Road), where they will be on display till April 11. From Rajasthan’s Phads to Kerala’s murals, though stylistically diverse, run a unifying thread of ritual and spirituality.
The Pichwai celebrates Krishna on cloth and also as Shrinathji, while Srikalahasti’s Kalamkari panels have Andhra temples as backdrops to the gods and Phad paints stories from the epics.
Innovative touches of colour, format and concept, add a contemporary appeal to these traditional works.
Nilesh Soni’s Pichwai brings out the details of Shrinathji against a white background or freezes god within a floral frame. Prakash Jha’s ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ in delicate Phad has a red background with real gold, while a dancing Kali in the typical ‘panchvarna’ stone colours of Kerala’s mural art marks artist Jijulal’s frames.
Among the highlights of this collection are the Kalamkari ‘Tree of life’ on tussar silk by Akshay Kumar Parika, Gond artist Ramesh Tikam’s poetic peacocks in typical oranges, reds and greens, and Manisha Jha’s Madhubani Venugopal Krishna in an explosion of pinks, purples and ultramarine blue. Babulal Marushia and Mohammad Vasim’s lyrical miniatures are flawless in mild colours and blazing greens. Sanjay Manubhas Chittara’s ‘Mata ni Pachedi’s’ are in soft colours. Thangavel Chettiar’s seated Hanuman (Thanjavur style) and the Chola bronzes of Lakshmi, Ganesha and Krishna by Senthil Sirpa Kala Koodam are impeccable.
Kalighat art depicting Bengali women from the past, and Raja Ravi Varma’s embellished oleograph of a graceful Lakshmi in a blazing red sari are striking. Phad artist Joshi’s huge, surreal white tree against a red background is also an arresting piece. For details contact 2345 3788/ 98844 73245.
