For centuries, rural women in the Mithila region of Bihar had been using natural and vegetable colours to create vibrant images depicting mythological stories, local legends and folktales on the walls and floors of their houses for decorative purposes and for celebrating rituals like marriages.
During the 1960s, some women started painting on paper and canvas so that the traditional art form can be turned into an alternative source of income for them. Mithila Art, also known as Madhubani Art, has since gained international fame and reputation.
In an instant exhibition cum workshop, titled Mithila Paintings, it has been endeavoured to bring to the fore the intricate works of artist Navita Jha, who has strived through these years to keep this unique art form alive in the remote border area of Jaigaon in Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.
The exhibition of exquisite and colourful paintings, organised with support from the Office of the Resident Commissioner, Government of West Bengal, was inaugurated at Muktadhara Art Gallery.
The event is being organised as part of a series of initiatives undertaken by the Office of the Resident Commissioner to publicise and promote folk art forms, handicrafts works and handloom creations of rural artists and artisans from Bengal.
Artist Navita Jha had learnt the nuances of Mithila art from her mother and has been carrying forward the folk tradition for the last 30 years. Her paintings have been exhibited in India and overseas. Jha’s works have won acclaim in various cities such as Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Hyderabad, apart from London and Spain.
When: Till 13 January
Where: Muktadhar Gallery
During the 1960s, some women started painting on paper and canvas so that the traditional art form can be turned into an alternative source of income for them. Mithila Art, also known as Madhubani Art, has since gained international fame and reputation.
In an instant exhibition cum workshop, titled Mithila Paintings, it has been endeavoured to bring to the fore the intricate works of artist Navita Jha, who has strived through these years to keep this unique art form alive in the remote border area of Jaigaon in Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.
The exhibition of exquisite and colourful paintings, organised with support from the Office of the Resident Commissioner, Government of West Bengal, was inaugurated at Muktadhara Art Gallery.
The event is being organised as part of a series of initiatives undertaken by the Office of the Resident Commissioner to publicise and promote folk art forms, handicrafts works and handloom creations of rural artists and artisans from Bengal.
Artist Navita Jha had learnt the nuances of Mithila art from her mother and has been carrying forward the folk tradition for the last 30 years. Her paintings have been exhibited in India and overseas. Jha’s works have won acclaim in various cities such as Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Hyderabad, apart from London and Spain.
When: Till 13 January
Where: Muktadhar Gallery