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.
ABOUT THE TEACHING 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.
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.
ABOUT THE TEACHING 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.