The Modern Life in Kalighat by Sonali Chitrakar

This captivating Kalighat painting by Sonali Chitrakar reimagines the traditional “Babu and Bibi” representations through a contemporary lens, portraying the couple taking a selfie, a striking blend of heritage and modernity. The artwork, rendered in the bold and fluid strokes characteristic of the Kalighat style, features a well-dressed Bengali couple standing in a theatrical setting, framed by deep red drapery that evokes the grandeur of stage performances. The Babu, adorned in a stylish black dhoti embellished with intricate white detailing, holds a smartphone at an angle, his sharp, elongated eyes and slight smirk reflecting confidence and vanity. His wife, the Bibi, draped in a resplendent yellow saree with delicate white floral patterns and an opulent red border, leans into him gracefully, her expressive gaze and soft smile conveying both affection and indulgence in the act of posing. The jewelry adorning her—layered pearl necklaces, large earrings, and red bangles, adds to her elegance, emphasizing the couple’s aristocratic aura. Positioned at their feet, a black-and-white mouse, its arched back and attentive posture symbolizing ego, subtly critiques the couple's modern lifestyle. This placement suggests a disregard for traditional values, adding a satirical and realistic element to the scene.The aged beige background, framed by a simple black border, enhances the vibrancy of the figures while lending an antique charm to the composition. This painting brilliantly satirizes contemporary selfie culture, merging it seamlessly with the nostalgia of Kalighat art, making it both a humorous and thought-provoking piece that bridges past and present with artistic finesse.

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All artworks on the website are hand painted from scratch by our master artists. This makes every artwork absolutely unique and the actual colour and overall artwork may vary slightly from the artwork image posted here.