Recordings - Self paced workshop
------------------------------------
Shiva Parvati, the eternal couple, is a traditional subject of Bengal Pattachitra paintings. They are shown in a wedding scene or peacefully sitting on the vahana Nandi.
Bengal Pattachitra is a storytelling folk tradition practiced by the Patua community who paint and also sing these stories through 'Pater Gaan'
We create this beautiful 'Shiva and Parvati sitting on Nandi' artwork with native Patua artist Uttam Chitrakar. We start from scratch, learning step by step techniques of drawing, coloring and detailing.
FOLK classes are designed to provide you optimum learning. We pay personal attention to each individual and respect everyone's pace. FOLK has a friendly and conducive enviornment to learn where everyone supports each other to bring out their best.
ABOUT THE ARTFORM
Bengal Patuas or Chitrakars are bearers of an ancient storytelling tradition that is fast disappearing. Known variously as Patu, Pota and Putua, and Islamic by faith, the Patua artists represent a unique and secular art tradition, earning their livelihood by telling stories from Hindu mythology, local folklore, Sufi tradition and contemporary themes, through paintings and song.
In Sanskrit, ‘pata’ means cloth — the Patuas initially painted on dried leaves or cloth; they painted stories of culture, religion, society, nature and folklore, accompanied by song. Over the last 25 years, it has transformed primarily into a visual art tradition handed down from generation to generation among the Patuas of Bengal, and women of the community also began to have more access and participate in producing patas. (via Sarmaya)
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Sh. Uttam Chitrakar is a Patua artist from the West Mediniur district of West Bengal. His parents are clay idol artists, he started painting Patas post his wedding, learning from her mother-in-law, a senior and celebrated artist, Swarna Chitrakar.
His style is highly refined and his paintings are a part of V&A Museum collection of Kalighat art.