The Household Romance in Kalighat by Sonali Chitrakar


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Sonali Chitrakar Sonali Chitrakar blue-tick
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Size : Medium
Dimensions : H: 14 | W: 11 inches
Medium : Natural Colors on Paper

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About the Artwork +

This exquisite Kalighat painting by Sonali Chitrakar captures a delightful and humorous moment of domestic life, where a Babu (gentleman) surprises his Bibi (wife), engrossed in cleaning a fish. The scene is framed by a richly textured beige background with a decorative blue and gold curtain draping overhead, adding an intimate theatricality to the moment. The Babu, standing with an air of playfulness, is dressed in an elegant green kurta adorned with intricate white patterns, his left hand holding a pink lower while his right hand extends forward with a bouquet of red flowers. His expression, with thickly outlined eyes and small lips, conveys a mix of admiration and mischief. His Biwi, seated gracefully, is clad in a stunning deep pink saree embellished with delicate white patterns, her jewelry and neatly parted hair suggesting a traditional Bengali homemaker. She holds a small fish in her hand while a large black fish-cutting blade (boti) rests before her, anchoring the scene in everyday realism. Her expression, with arched eyebrows and a slight coy smile, reveals surprise and subtle pleasure at the unexpected romantic gesture. The color palette is warm, with soft pastels and earthy tones, contrasted by bold black outlines, embodying the distinct style of Kalighat paintings. The artwork, while lighthearted, also hints at gender roles and romantic dynamics in traditional Bengali households, where love often finds expression in simple yet profound gestures amidst daily chores.


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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.


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Sonali Chitrakar blue-tick

Sonali
Sonali Chitrakar is an artist who has been immersed in her craft since the tender age of seven, learning from her parents in a rich tradition that has been passed down through generations. Her artistic journey is a family affair, with her husband, mother, father, sister, and in-laws all contributing their skills and creativity.She finds inspiration in diverse projects, including Ramayana, Mahabharat, tribal art, and depictions of songs in paintings, particularly favoring larger canvases.Sonali's artistry encompasses a wide range of themes, from machli ki shaadi and chidiya to Kalighat painting, Chandimangal, Radha Krishna, and even contemporary topics like 9/11 and COVID-related stories. She seeks to convey meaning and messages in her art, both old and new, day-to-day and traditional.Despite language barriers when traveling abroad, Sonali is determined to continue her artistic journey. For her, it's not just tradition; it's a means of earning a livelihood. Her hope for the future is to gain recognition as a prominent artist, receiving awards and platforms to showcase her talent to a wider audience.

Kalighat


Kalighat painting is a traditional art form that flourished in the vicinity of the Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata, India, during the 19th century. It is characterized by its bold lines, vibrant colors, minimal background details, and distinctive style. Jamini Roy was one of the artists greatly influenced by this style. Moreover, the themes of the Kalighat painting range from religious stories to social satires. Goddess Kali, Babu & Bibi, and Cat with the Fish are some of the well-known illustrations in this craft. History and Legend Kalighat painting began as a form of devotional art inspired by the pilgrimage to the Kalighat Temple. Pilgrims sought souvenirs to reminisce about their visits, leading to the creation of budget-friendly, portable artworks. Over time, these paintings evolved into a distinct style, reflecting the cultural and religious ethos of the region. Methods and Techniques Kalighat paintings are known for their simplicity and spontaneity, created using natural pigments on paper or cloth. The artists, known as 'patuas' or 'kalighat painters,' often worked in groups with shared responsibilities of mixing dyes, drawing lines, or filing up the colors. In the search for income, these craftsmen catered to British patrons at one point, incorporating elements of European realism and secular subjects into their craft. The secular subjects like English sahibs riding elephants, wealthy Calcutta babus (liberalists), and fraud sadhus (holy men) succumbing to base desires reflect the social concerns of that period. Decline and Revival The art form of Kalighat declined due to the advent of cheaper wood prints and machine-printed alternatives by the early 20th century. However, in recent decades, efforts have been made to revive the Kalighat painting tradition by artists, government, and art connoisseurs. The combined efforts through exhibitions, and workshops have helped in showcasing the unique identity of Kalighat painting and regain its lost legacy.  FAQs How do Kalighat paintings differ from other Indian art forms? Kalighat paintings are distinct for their simplistic yet expressive style, characterized by bold outlines, flat colors, and minimal background details. Unlike other intricate Indian art forms, Kalighat paintings focus more on the portrayal of subjects with a sense of immediacy and movement. Are Kalighat paintings suitable for home decor? Yes, Kalighat paintings are excellent for home decor due to their vibrant colors and striking imagery. They can add a touch of traditional Indian art and cultural richness to any living space. Can I commission a custom Kalighat painting from your artists? Yes, MeMeraki accepts commissions for custom Kalighat paintings. You can provide specific details and themes, and the artist will create a piece tailored to your preferences.  



Product Details

Title The Household Romance in Kalighat by Sonali Chitrakar
Artist Sonali Chitrakar
Art Style Kalighat
Medium Natural Colors
Size Medium
Dimension 14 in(H) X 11 in(W)
Themes Folk Art, Man, Woman
Color Multicoloured
Country of Origin West Bengal, India
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