Recordings of 10 hours of learning with Patua artist Sonali chitrakar
About the artform:
Patachitra is a unique folk tradition of visual storytelling accompanied by songs performed by the Patuas. Stories are painted on long scrolls by the painters known as chitrakars (family surname) who gradually unfurl them while narrating. Patachitra paintings of Bengal have drawn the attention and interest of artists, art connoisseurs, and researchers. It has been nationally and internationally acclaimed as a very interesting style of painting. To some, Patachitra is the precursor of modern day animation.
The word Pata comes from the Sanskrit word Patta that means a piece of cloth and Chitra means painting. The songs are known as Pater Gaan, which is passed down to next generations. Traditionally, the Patuas would travel from village to village singing and displaying the scrolls to earn a living.
Patachitra art form of Bengal is known for its bold colours, lines, and strokes.
The unfolding or playing of the Pata is called ‘Pat Khelano’, and the song through which the divinely painted narratives are sung is called ‘Pater Gaan.’ This flows in 3 stages – the kahani (story), the mahatmya (glory), and bhavita (introduction).
About the workshop:
We create 3 individual paintings of Laxmi, Saraswati and Kali.
Each one would be hand drawn (freehand), you will be taught from basics how to sketch and compose pictures and gradually step by step guidance to paint and detailing.
About the artist:
Sonali Chitrakar is a state awardee artist from West Medinipur in West Bengal who has learnt the art since the tender age of 6 from her mother, acclaimed artist Swarna Chitrakar. She is a fabulous painter as well as a wonderful singer.
Materials required:
A4/A3 size sheets
Watercolor/Poster colors/natural colors
Round brushes medium to fine
Basic stationery
*Natural colors as used by the artist is available for purchase as a set of 10 colors for Rs. 1700 +$. Connect on Whatsapp 9811037870 to order