Two-Day Exhibition Traditional and Folk Art (TAFA) in Delhi Celebrates works of well-known Traditional Artists across India

New Delhi, Dec 2, 2016: A two-day exhibition Titled 'Traditional and Folk Art (TAFA)' aims to promote indigenous art forms and features works of well-known traditional artists pan-India.

The exhibition features paintings by Mithila artist Manisha Jha, Kerala Mural artist Jijulal V M, Prakash Joshi from Rajasthan among others, mentioned PTI.

This exhibition is a complete visual treat to art connoisseurs with 'Mata ni Pachedis' from Gujarat, 'Kalighat' paintings from West Bengal as well as 'Kalamkari' from Andhra Pradesh. Gond works, which is a popular art form of Madhya Pradesh hang beside the striking 'Chola' bronzes from Tamil Nadu and 'phad' and 'pichwai' from Rajasthan.

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Exquisite collection by Mithila artist Manisha Jha is based on the theme of 'nature' and 'deities'. For Jha, the unique thing about such art form is that it is not bound by any 'rules and regulations'.

"It is one of the only art forms which are practised and preserved by women. I am the third generation of my family and my inspiration comes from my grandmother and mother. They used to decorate the house with these paintings."

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"This is a unique form of folk art where the artist is not restricted by any particular rule or regulation," Jha adds. Her paintings- "Tree of Life" and "Krishna", represent all the three forms of paintings done by Brahmins, Kayastha and Dusadh, mentioned PTI report.

In the paintings, Brahmins most of the time used pink, yellows and other bright colours. But, it is opposite in the case of Kayasths. The line paintings used by them were monochromes- which were in black and red. She says, one can see the reflection of all that in here paintings here.

"I focus on scales and detailing which is very important aspect of the art. 'Line' technique in the paintings is reflection of the detailed artistic work which the painter uses," says Jha.

Jha, who is architect-turned-artist, has been exhibiting Mithila paintings for 19 years. She says, Sita Devi and Godavari Das brought popularity to the art form.

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The art form has come a long way and has gained popularity with the efforts of empowered women like Sita Devi, Godavari Das, Yamuna Devi. And now, their works have popularised the paintings across the globe.

The exhibition aims to promote artists who have been practising folk art forms for generations but haven't got the right platform to display their works.

Traditional 'Phad' paintings by Prakash Joshi depict scenes from mythology as well as nature. He belongs to a family, which for almost 300 years has been practising the folk art, mentioned PTI.

"The outlines in Phad paintings are first drawn in blocks and later filled with colours. My paintings depict various folklores while addressing pressing issues like saving the environment."

"The use of vibrant colours create a subtle impression on cloth which is unique in comparison to any other form of art," Jha further adds.

The exhibition is taking place at Hungarian Information and Cultural Centre in Delhi and is on view till December 3.

– prepared by NewsGram with PTI inputs