The Legacy of Pattachitra
Pattachitra, meaning "cloth picture," is a traditional style of painting originating from the state of Odisha in eastern India. This ancient art form is characterized by its vibrant colors, intricate detailing, and mythological narratives. Historically, Pattachitra paintings served as visual aids for storytellers and temple decorations, bringing epics to life for the masses. The themes often revolve around Hindu deities, mythological tales from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Jagannath cult, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Artists, known as chitrakars, follow a meticulous process, from preparing the canvas to mixing natural pigments, preserving a legacy passed down through generations.A Symbolic Arsenal
This captivating Pattachitra piece presents a diverse array of weapons and arms, each carefully rendered with the distinctive aesthetics of the art form. The painting is a tableau of martial prowess, echoing the valor of deities and heroes celebrated in Hindu epics. Note the assortment of swords, daggers, and axes, each uniquely shaped and ornamented. Observe the spears, bows, and arrows, reminding us of the epic battles of gods and demons, or of valiant warriors defending dharma. The artist’s careful composition creates a balanced yet dynamic arrangement, inviting viewers to consider the symbolism and history embedded within each piece. This painting is not simply a representation of weapons; it's a symbolic reminder of the eternal struggle between good and evil, a central theme in Hindu mythology.Tussar Silk Canvas
The choice of Tussar silk as the canvas enhances the artwork's appeal. Tussar silk, also known as "wild silk," is valued for its rich texture and natural gold sheen. It is created from silk worms that live in the forests. The use of Tussar silk aligns with the traditional Pattachitra practices, where natural materials were favored. The texture of the silk gives the artwork an organic feel, making the colors appear softer, more natural. The slight irregularities in the silk add character, ensuring that each painting is unique.Mastering the Ancient Technique: Exploring the Meticulous Creation of Pattachitra Paintings
The traditional Pattachitra is a scroll painting that is done on
cloth. This is revealed in the name; Pattachitra is a Sanskrit
term made from two words i.e. Patta meaning cloth and Chitra
meaning picture. The main subject of this painting is portraying
Hindu mythological narratives, scenes from religious texts, and
folktales. Pattachitra paintings are especially practiced in
eastern Indian states such as West Bengal and Odisha, and also in
some parts of Bangladesh. This art form is closely related to Shri
Jagannath and the tradition of the Vaishnava sect. It is believed
that Pattachitra art originated in the 11th century and the people
of Odisha practice it even today without any discrepancy. Bengalis
use these scroll paintings for ritual purposes (as a visual
device) during the performance of a song or Aarti.
Pattachitra paintings are characterized by creative and
traditional motifs/designs, decorative borders, and bright
colorful applications. The outline of the figure and motifs are
bold and sharp. Some common shapes and motifs seen in these
paintings are trees, flowers, leaves, elephants, and other
creatures. The artists of Odisha and Bengal still use the
traditional method of painting which gives a unique look to it
altogether.
1. Canvas is prepared
The process of painting a Pattachitra begins by preparing the
canvas (patta). Generally, cotton cloth is used for making the
canvas. The local artists dip the cotton cloth in a mixture of
tamarind seeds and water for a few days. The cloth is then taken
out and dried in the sun. Now natural gum is applied over it to
stick another layer of cotton cloth on it. Thus a thick layer of
cotton cloth is formed. This layered cotton is sun-dried and a
paste of chalk powder, tamarind, and gum is applied on both
sides. The surface of the cloth is then rubbed with two
different stones for smoothening and it is again dried. This
process gives the cloth a leathery finish and it is now ready to
be painted.
2. Natural colors are made using traditional method
The painters prepare and use vegetable and mineral colors for
application in the painting. White color is made from conch
shells, black is made by burning coconut shells, Hingula is used
for red color, Ramaraja for blue, and Haritala for yellow.
3. Colors are filled in
The artist now makes a double-lined border on all four sides of
the canvas. The local artists are so expert in painting that
they do not draw figures and motifs with pencil but directly
draw them with a brush. The paint brushes that the painters use
are made of the hair of domestic animals, a bunch of which is
tied to the end of a bamboo stick. The figures are now painted
with natural colors using the indigenous brushes. The outline is
thickened with black color.
4. Painting is given a finishing
Finally, the painting is varnished/glazed to protect it from any
damage and to get a glossy shine on the surface.
The making of a Pattachitra is laborious work and therefore, one
painting may sometimes take over a month to complete. Due to their
classical look, these paintings are admired by people from all
over the world. The artistic skills used in Pattachitra are passed
down from one generation to another and thus are preserved to
date.
