I am back with a lot of gyaan on Madhubani paintings.... and some fascinating photographs of this art form. Well... for the uninitiated, Madhubani is an art form of Bihar (having its origins in the ancient kingdom of Mithila). I was enthralled at the sight of these paintings as soon as I stepped onto the stall in Urban Haat, Navi Mumbai.... I just couldn't have enough of them. The surge of colours forces you to linger there for more than you would want to, otherwise. The use of the myriad colours, patterns, figures.... you want to know more about this art. Each painting is a narrative.......has story to tell..... and you cannot help but wonder at the beauty of these paintings.
I had the good opportunity to meet the master artist, Uttam Prasad Paswan, who belongs to a family that has painted for generations. He tells that his late sister-in-law, Chanu Devi, was a national award winner. His wife and son too are artists.
Traditionally this art form was practiced by women who made these paintings on the walls and floors of their houses on festive occasion. In modern times it has made its transition on handmade papers and canvas. But even today the colours used by the artists are eco-friendly in that they are made of flowers, tree bark and such natural ingredients. I could not contain the exitement to know how it is made. The process is a bit tedious (well, well... so used to all the ready made colours available off the shop counter). The tree bark has to be ground and mixed with natural gum as a binding agent.
Here are some beautiful ones.....
I had the good opportunity to meet the master artist, Uttam Prasad Paswan, who belongs to a family that has painted for generations. He tells that his late sister-in-law, Chanu Devi, was a national award winner. His wife and son too are artists.
Traditionally this art form was practiced by women who made these paintings on the walls and floors of their houses on festive occasion. In modern times it has made its transition on handmade papers and canvas. But even today the colours used by the artists are eco-friendly in that they are made of flowers, tree bark and such natural ingredients. I could not contain the exitement to know how it is made. The process is a bit tedious (well, well... so used to all the ready made colours available off the shop counter). The tree bark has to be ground and mixed with natural gum as a binding agent.
The bark of the neem tree is used to make orange and Maroon colours. The soot of the lamp is used to make black colour for drawing the outlines. More often than not, the paintings depict Lord Krishna and his leela. Many Gods and Goddesses from the Hindu pantheon also make an appearance. Harmony in nature is another favourite theme. Each painting has intricately designed borders.
......and how about this? Lord Krishna showing his true form..... Viswaroop
or these.....
.....and these colourful adornment for the walls
Did I buy the paintings? Of course I did.... I just could not come back empty handed. Here they are....
....just waiting to be framed and adorn my walls.
You can contact the artist Uttam Prasad Paswan at Village Post - Jitwarpur, Dist.- Madhubani (Bihar),
847211. Ph. 98750998535
Beautiful! Thank you for the informative and colourful post!
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