Introduction of Pattachitra Painting,odisha

You all have no idea how much happy I am, I finally posted my first blog about my visit at Dilli Haat and my assignment.Now I m here with my second blog and I took lots of time to decide the title of this blog, and finally I kept" introduction of Pattachitra Painting, Odisha", I know this title makes this blog sound formal, still i continued  with it. As I told  firstly I visited Dilli Haat where I found lots of crafts, painting and so on. I was mesmerised by Pattachitra Painting and it fascinated me so much that I thought of implementing that so , I met with the painter and gather as much information as I can . And obviously he started with its origin " Pattachitra Painting" the oldest form of artwork found in Orissa, Pattachitra literally means clothPainting; ‘pata’ (cloth) and ‘chitra’ (painting). It depicts Hindu mythological tales and wonders,while discussing he told me that it is based on the stories from the past, Patachitra art is vibrant, unique and is a fine display of skilled Indian craftsmanship.

Pattachitra Painting

He also discussed its historical evidences, the first forms of Pattachitra art originated in the village of ‘Puri, where this artwork is still quite popular. And also he intoduced himself as Mohapatra, after listening this word, I was blank and I asked"Mohapatra..??  then he replied that The artists who practice this craft were known as Mohapatra's or Maharanas, although no clear distinction was given between the two.  As I am design student, what ever we design or discussing about idea of our design from our teachers ,they definately  ask us from were did you get inspiration and the same thing I have done,  He told me that" The impressive temples and architecture in Orissa gives inspiration to so many craftmen to narrated pictorial stories through their paintings". While I was surfing about it in internet I found  in an artical that most widely known example of past who promoted the craft  were the Jagannath’s and Vaishnava’s. The basic Patachitra tales revolved around their beliefs and ideologies. Hindu gods such as Krishna, Vishnu, Shiva, Hanuman, and Hindu goddesses such as Radha, Parvati and Sita were the main images used to depict tales and stories which were related to Hindu scriptures and texts.  
At the time of exit,I found another stall of painting, and that stall had a board of " Pattachitra Painting" I got confused but when I saw the painting, I found lots of difference between odisha's Pattachitra painting and that one.Then  I asked him,Is this the Painting from Orrisa..? Then he replied that apart from Orissa, this artwork is also widely practiced in West Bengal.     

                                                                                            Tribal and Folk Art, Pattachitra Painting,Bengal
                                                                                                    Image courtesy- Akankshika Prakash

                                                                              
The only difference between these two places  is that in Orissa, it is done on Cotton fabric, whereas in Bengal silk is used.The painters are called Patras. They not only paint but sing as well .These songs are known as Pater Gaan. Here is a video 

PATER GAAN,sung by Bengal Pattachitra Painter,At Delhi Haat

Earlier done only on a cloth canvas and traditionally known to depict only religious and cultural aspects Nowday, Patachitra artists are seen experimenting new mediums and themes. Seen as a significant cultural memorabilia in the temples, a rare collectable in the form of Ganjappa cards or as an object of pure home décor, Patachitra is an art to live and flourish.



Reference:

[1]Fork Art, Odisha .Getting the fact on Pattachitra Painting available on<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/pattachitra>.[Accessed 17 JAN 2017].

[2]"The Art of making Picture on Cloth" Weblog Prof. Bibhudutta BaralandMr. Antony William, entry posted January 19, 2013,  <http://www.dsource.in/resource/patachitra-painting-orissa/introduction>  [Accessed January 18, 2017}