Seated upon the mythical makara, the figure draws from the symbolic vocabulary of Indian mythology while embracing the distinctive visual language of Kalighat painting. Bold contours, expressive colour, and rhythmic composition create an image that speaks of protection, wisdom, and the enduring presence of sacred narratives within everyday cultural life.
The Artform
Emerging from the 19th-century Calcutta, Kalighat painting originated near the Kalighat Temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. This art form reflects the dynamic cultural milieu of colonial India and unlike the intricate miniatures of earlier times embraces a simplified and more direct approach, utilizing bold lines, vibrant colors, and a touch of caricature to portray a wide range of subjects. Using a limited color palette consisting mainly of vibrant earth tones and bold contrasts, these paintings often depict mythological figures, deities, scenes from daily life, and even social critiques. The style is marked by its expressive yet economical brushwork, lending a certain immediacy to the compositions.
The Artist
Piku Chitrakar is a contemporary Kalighat artist from West Bengal who continues the rich legacy of one of India's most iconic urban folk painting traditions. Trained within the traditional Patua practice, his work draws inspiration from the bold brushwork, expressive figures and fluid compositions that have defined Kalighat painting since the nineteenth century. Working primarily in watercolor on paper, he interprets both everyday life and cultural narratives through simplified forms, vibrant colour and graceful line work. His paintings preserve the visual language of traditional Kalighat art while making it relevant for contemporary audiences. Through his practice, Piku contributes to keeping this historic artistic tradition alive for a new generation of collectors and art enthusiasts.
Provenance
The painting has been created by Bridge Bharat’s master artist partners.
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Other details
The price you see is for an unframed painting. If you want us to custom frame the artwork, please drop us a message. We highly encourage this, framing is an art by itself :)
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