Artists have often sought to bring about change in society by portraying the world through their unique perspectives. Here, artist Uttam Chitrakar has depicted the lopsided and predatory dynamic of a Babu and those who serve him. Here the Babu is portrayed as an overweight layabout who is being dragged around by a rickshaw puller. The imperious way that the Babu stretches out his hand to indicate the route further enhances this dynamic.
The Artform
Emerging from the 19th-century Calcutta, Kalighat painting originated near the Kalighat Temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. This art form reflects the dynamic cultural milieu of colonial India and unlike the intricate miniatures of earlier times embraces a simplified and more direct approach, utilising bold lines, vibrant colors, and a touch of caricature to portray a wide range of subjects. Using a limited color palette consisting mainly of vibrant earth tones and bold contrasts, these paintings often depict mythological figures, deities, scenes from daily life, and even social critiques. The style is marked by its expressive yet economical brushwork, lending a certain immediacy to the compositions.
The Artist
Born in 1991, Uttam Chitrakar studied under his father the foundational techniques of painting at the age of twelve. Building upon this strong foundation, he sought to refine his craft by seeking mentorship from the esteemed Swarna Chitrakar and garnered expertise in Kalighat-style paintings on paper and canvas. He has participated in programs in Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kerala, Delhi, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Puducherry, and Chennai, enriching his artistic perspective through exposure to diverse cultures. He has been bestowed with ‘Ojas Art Protégé Artist’ in 2018 where he was part of the group exhibition 'SATRANGI 2018: AN EXHIBITION OF PATACHITRA ART FROM BENGAL'. He has exhibited in institutions such as Chitrakala Parishad in Bengaluru, IGNCA in Delhi, Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata, and Crafts Museum in Delhi.
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