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Modern Kalighat couple

Certificate of Authenticity available
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

All Kalighat artists are keenly aware of the contemporary nature of the artform. Kalighat has always sought to represent modern life in it’s many facets and in this painting, however, not content to simply represent reality, artist Uttam Chitrakar warps our concept of the world by inverting dynamics in this painting. Titled “Modern Kalighat Couple”, the artist has swapped the heads of every figure in the painting. The loving couple on the scooter have their heads replaced with bovine heads. Similarly with a bystander whose original body is nowhere to be seen. This drastic change in perspective is dizzying to look and prompts an in depth consideration of which the painting is worthy.

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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Returns are not applicable on made-to-order products. We guarantee a replacement of your product in case of any damages.

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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