Folk artists as record-keepers of the pandemic

Source: Livemint

What is the News?

For perhaps the first time, folk and tribal artists around the country have been united by a common theme: covid-19.

Key Paintings mentioned in the Article:

About Madhubani Painting:

• Madhubani painting is also referred to as Mithila Art as it flourishes in the Mithila region of Bihar.
• Method: The paintings are done with mineral pigments prepared by the artists. The work is done on freshly plastered or a mud wall. For commercial purposes, the work is now being done on paper, cloth, canvas, etc.
• Style: This style of painting has been traditionally done by the women of the region. Today, men are also involved to meet the demand.
• Significance: These paintings are popular because of their tribal motifs and use of bright earthy colours.
• Colours: The colours used in paintings comprise natural extracts from plants and other natural sources. E.g.: Black colour is obtained by mixing soot with cow dung; blue from indigo, among others.
• Themes: Figures from nature & mythology are adapted to suit their style. The themes & designs widely painted are of Hindu deities such as Krishna, Rama, Saraswati, wedding scenes among others.

About Pattachitra Painting:

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About Phad Painting:

• Phad painting or phad is a style of religious scroll painting and folk painting practiced in Rajasthan.
• This style of painting is traditionally done on a long piece of cloth or canvas known as phad.
• The paintings depict the narratives of the folk deities of Rajasthan, mostly of Devnarayan Ji (a reincarnation of Vishnu) and Pabuji (a local hero).
• The Bhopas, the priest-singers, traditionally carry the painted phads along with them and use these as the mobile temples of the folk deities, who are worshipped by the Rebari community of the region.
• Colours: Traditionally, the phads are painted with vegetable colors.

About Gond Paintings:

• Gond paintings are a form of painting from folk and tribal art that is practiced by the Gond tribe.
• The paintings can best be described as ‘on line work’ that has an immediate effect on the viewer.