Living and Inspired Traditions

The exhibitions of pichwais, miniature works and even embroidered cloths comes on view at Saffron Art Gallery in Mumbai at the close of the month. This recent collection , comprising large format exhibits is representative of Indian painting traditions that are still followed by miniature artists of Rajasthan, Gujarat and most importantly the painting traditions of the Nathdwara pichwai painters. The collection, which is both an exhibition and an auction of art, has works featuring mythologies. Krishna lore, mirror work embroidered cloths as also Ragamala paintings.

The works depict well-known themes adopted by this school such as the piece titled ‘Annakut’ by Mahesh Sharma, depicting the custom of ‘Annakut’. The ‘Tree of Life’ theme comes in for varied interpretations by the artists. Done in accordance with traditional methodology, the colour scheme follows the strict colour code of blue Krishna, white for Gajalakshmi, dark backdrops for the rains with appropriate flora and fauna in the imagery. The spruced backdrops of the Ragamala paintings, are illustrated with delicate associations such as feminine forms, deer and  scenes from dawn, while the sinuous snake-like forms of the monsoons remind one of peacocks and snakes. The tree, symbolic of the Tree of Life mythology, has a colourful spread of flora arranged in artistic patternings, showing colour harmony as also designing expertise. The works being recent makings, are a boon for collectors and first-time buyers who can be introduced to art collecting through these colourful acquisitions.

…  Subhra Mazumdar