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Indigenous art gets a contemporary makeover

Raghunath Chakraborty’s ‘pata-chitra’ exhibition at Drik

Karim Waheed
Yellow is never brighter, red more festive, green more alive or blue more serene as they are in pata-chitra.' Patua Raghunath Chakroborty says, "Colours don't overlap in pata-chitra,' as in other mediums and styles. Patuas' (painters of this form) paint with locally produced vegetable colours, which not only make the scroll paintings very bright but also, add life to them." The sheen apparently lasts over 50-60 years — a remarkable feat for water-
colour.
Chakroborty's second solo 'pata-chitra' exhibition, organised by Riddhi, was on at Drik Gallery (ended yesterday). Apart from being unsurprisingly outstanding, the artist's collection of works stand out for a couple of reasons: Chakroborty has moved away from the traditional scroll style and put each scene on a single frame, giving it a contemporary feel while retaining its indigenous appeal; alongside religious themes, these works also highlight everyday events and people.
Raghunath Chakroborty, originally from Gaibandha, has been living in Dhaka since 1992. A self-trained artist, Chakroborty did not go to any art school. The source of inspiration behind pursuing 'pata-chitra': Patua Shambhu Acharya. —
Why does he prefer this particular art form?" Its indigenous, inexpensive and its allure is uncomplicated. Materials like oyster shell powder, yellow puree, gum made from tamarind seed and 'bel' (wood-apple) are easily available and I make my own brush for line-work," Chakroborty says.
How did he learn this style? "Reading books on pata-chitra’ obviously, though publications on this subject are few and far between. I've also tried to study works of Jamini Roy and Abanindranath Tagore."
How long does it take to complete a 'pata-chitra' of a considerable size (say 36 "X 48") ?
"About 6/7 days. 1 work 3/4 hours a day,” says the 'patua.'
Subjects are varied. The 'pata-chitra' at the exhibit features myths and deities like "Janmashtomi," "Sita," "Lokkhi" as well as everyday scenes and objects like a lotus blossom, boatmen taking a break, a village belle putting her trinkets on, and the eternal mother and child image.
Chakroborty seems content with the response from art connoisseurs and critics at the exhibition. The guestbook at the gallery was brimming with compliments, kudos and well wishes from senior artists and noted personalities like Professor Zillur Rahman Siddiqui, Hashem Khan as well as students of Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University.
This should encourage Chakroborty to hold more exhibitions at home and abroad.