WHAT YOU GET:
- Unlimited access to 10+ hours recordings of already concluded LIVE workshop
This is a 'paint along workshop' where we create the same artwork as shown on the promo
- PDFs of pictures and materials shared during the workshop
- Online support for feedback and queries to help you complete the artwork
- Access to FOLK community, an enthusiastic and supportive group of art lovers. You also get access to 'Members Only' exclusive offers and launches
Bengal Pattachitra is a storytelling folk tradition practiced by the Patua community who paint and also sing these stories through 'Pater Gaan'
In this 10 hours workshop, we learn about the history of this folk art and create Kamalakamini or 'Ganesh Janani', a popular representation of Ma Parvati in Bengal pattachitra. We start from scratch, learning step by step techniques of drawing, coloring and detailing.
ABOUT THE ARTFORM AND ARTISTS
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 TEACHING 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.