Dearest Reader,

A week back we celebrated the Rabindra Jayanti. As a student of literature, it is a rite of passage for all to read Gitanjali, I was one of them as well. Growing up reading his short stories, I would often weave my version of Bengal, its culture, and its beautiful art. I dreamt of living in Santiniketan. Although I did not find myself in the heart of the Tagore land, I did find myself in the district of Medinipur in West Bengal, where within a small village called Naya Pingla, lives a community of Patua artists who go by the surname ‘Chitrakars’.

And once again I found myself lost in the storytelling of artists like Anwar Chitrakar, who have grown up listening, learning, and crafting the secular identity of India which reaffirms my faith in the constitution which sees no faith, gender, or caste, but human beings. In this issue, I like to take you all through the lanes of Naya and unfurl the painted scrolls that depict the tales of gods-goddesses, cats and fishes, Bengali Babus and Bibis, and at times that of 9/11 attacks and as recent as Covid lockdown.

Bridge Bharat is a curated collection of Indian legacy arts and antiquities. We empower both the art connoisseur and the novice buyer to discover, learn, and acquire art from some of India’s finest generational artists.

With this, we unveil our new logo- a burning testament to our evolution and growth. Celebrating the powerhouse of energy, the creator, who draws inspiration from the cosmos and nature, our logo embodies the artist’s intuitive and powerful being, connecting us to a legacy of timeless artistry

Cup of Curation

Before we move forward here is a snippet from our catalog, Remnants, in which each piece is a testament to the resilience of our culture and the beauty of our past, echoing the rugged textures of fort walls and the intricate carvings of ancient temples. In this issue, I found myself lost within the 19th-century Bengali society portrayed by the master Patua artists Anwar Chitrakar and Uttam Chitrakar through their sartorial understanding of Babu and Bibis and contemporary Devi Puja.

Art and Home

It is hard to underplay the importance of placement when displaying art. Captivating works like Kalighat paintings, simply teeming with life and stories, deserve a place of honor in your modern home. However, the correct choice of wall or room could be the difference between a sublime addition and an eyesore. But how do you ensure these exquisite artworks truly shine? Here's a guide to highlighting the unique charm of different Kalighat paintings.

Kaafila

I would like to end this letter with an introduction. This time I’d like to introduce Samridhi Gogna, our Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Artists, writers, and fable seekers like me often live within dream castles, it is the methodical and organized spirits like Samridhi who know how to pave the path to actualization. She once asked me what I think of her, and my response was a single adjective- tenacious. From building the foundation of Bridge Bharat to being a loyal comrade, Samridhi is someone who leaves me in awe of her work ethic. Ours is a small team, with each member a pillar. Within this foundation, Samridhi remains our steadfast glue that holds these pillars together. 

Know more.

With hopes of opening dialogues and bringing beauty and magic of art into your day I would like to end my letter to you, my dear reader, with love and compassion. And I believe that is our ethos at Bridge Bharat.

I will await your response.

Love.

Avali

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