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Palette of Pichhwai

Traditional Rajasthani art of Pichhwai paintings finds ways to foray into the mainstream
As you enter the premises of the art gallery hosting a Pichhwai exhibition, you can sense an atmosphere of pure bhakti (devotion) and celebration of festivity. Historically, the craft dates back to as old as the Vaishnava cult of the Vallabhacharyas. But in due course of time, it is now being patronised only among a handful few connoisseurs.
The embroidered patterns and pictures are daubed with vibrant mineral hues dominate the cloth-canvases. From geometric blocks and shapes to intricate floral works fill up the background of Shrinathji, the child form of Lord Krishna. Believe it or not, specks of real gold are seen glittering all over some eye-catching specimens in the display corner. Yes, particles of gold dust are amply used in this arduously executed ethnic art.
The unconventional art is drawn from the hinterlands of the colourful desert province of Rajasthan and was recently showcased at Kolkata’s ICCR by Kamayani Jalan and Saloni Gandhi under the label, Godhuli. “It is a living legend that deserves nationwide attention, even in the age of technology-driven digital art and computer-generated graphic designs,” insists Saloni, one of the curators at the event. “Lest it turns extinct due to negligence or in want of proper preservation,” she further stresses her point. Along with Kamayani, her friend-cum-business partner of 25 years, the seasoned pro has been commissioning the Pichhwai paintings for the past five years or so.
Retaining the age-old methods of accomplishing such a masterpiece, the artists mainly working in the Nathdwara and Kota style, stuck to the root of Pichhwai, which literally means a ‘backdrop’ with as many as 40 paintings, depicting the myriad moods of Lord Krishna, the eighth reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. “It is this typical serene ambience that is created when a Pichhwai exhibition is hosted in any part of India. The art has stood the test of time and is an invitation to the admirers of Krishna, the embodiment of sacred love and joy,” says the curator.
After a successful run in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and now in Kolkata, the next stop to pitch in for Pichhwai is Ahmedabad, where the exhibition will be held, sometime in 2015. The craft is not that widely propagated all over India, courtesy a lack of general awareness.
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