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Bibi stuck between worlds

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Customizations available
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Details

Artform

Kalighat, Bengal

Dimensions

22x30 Inches

Medium

Natural Pigment colors on Paper

Framing

Unframed

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The Painting

Kalighat as a medium has always been open to interpretation and modification. Being so closely linked to modern India, many of the ideas reflected in the medium tend to be contemporary as well. Here, artist Uttam Chitrakar has taken this thread to a new direction by creating a surreal painting using the Kalighat form. The iconic figure of the Bibi is seen separate from her lover that often accompanies her and is instead levitating in a strange land surrounded by disembodied heads and strange animals. It is a painting that is as difficult to parse as it is endlessly engaging.

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.

Provenance

"The painting has been created by Bridge Bharat’s master artist partners.  "

Customizations

"Want a unique artwork for that wall at home- one that resonates entirely with you? Please use the WhatsApp chat below or email us at aakanksha@bridgebharat.com to discuss your requirements with our team. "

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Shipping and Delivery

"For artworks that are made to order, the time to prepare each piece differs. Our team will inform you about the preparation time. You will receive updates on the behind-the-scenes prep every 4-5 days- we want you to be a part of the creation process.  A ready item will be dispatched within 24 hours of placing the order. The item will be delivered 7-10 days after the product is dispatched. The artwork price is exclusive of shipping charges and insurance. Shipping charges will differ depending on the order size, weight and delivery location. You will be able to calculate shipping charges at checkout.  The artwork price is inclusive of 12% GST  In the event that the product is rejected by our quality check team, you will be informed about the change of delivery date.  "

Other details

"The price you see is for an unframed painting. If you want us to custom frame the artwork, please drop us a message. We highly encourage this, framing is an art by itself :) The artwork you will receive is as close to the original artwork as possible but as with all things handmade, there may be minute differences in color and motifs, truly rendering each artwork one of a kind. Trust the process!"

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