BARODA TIMES
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1998 

Bringing Bihar to Vadodara

If you ever visit the Institute of Environmental Design (IED) at Vallabh Vidhyanagar, you are likely to be enthralled by the painting at the entrance of the institute, Done in the traditional Madhubani style, this painting, though about five years old, is still as good as new. Visitors often stop by to appreciate the work of art and are surprised when told that this is the handwork of an ex-student. Today, this artist has made Vadodara her home. Meet Manisha Jha - Mishra, 28 a practicing architect, an excellent house keeper and a traditional Madhubani painter with a difference. “ I have tried to combine the folk art with modernity and meastors like Shankho Choudhury and A Kaur have appreciated my modifications, “ Says Manisha as she walks out of her Kitchen, wiping her hands.

The art has been passed on to her by her grandmother.

Traditionally, the women in Bihar use vegetable dyes for Madhubani Paintings, but she started applying poster colours. Acrylics and even oil paints, says Manisha, pointing to a 5 ft. high painting made earlier in the afternoon.

“ In my native place,” She elaborates, “ all women have a natural talent for Madhubani. This form of art adorns the walls of the brides’ bedroom” Manisha grew up in a small village in Madhubani district in Bihar, She first drew Krishna when she was 10.

Gradually, as she grew up, her paintings changed. Other than mythological characters, she also started painting about issues like environmental degradation. After her degree in architecture, her drawings became more modern and she stated using Rotor Ink pens and other modern tools.

One of her favourite paintings is Suryanamaskar where she has experimented with different materials like khadi paper, wood, boards and glass. Her house in Delhi does not have a single blank wall. All of them are covered with Madhubani paintings.

She says one of her best work is Panchmahabhuta, the five elements of the human body. “ One day I found my one and a half year old son sleeping on my drawing sheet “ She explains “ So I outlined his body and came up with this idea”.

Her three year old elder son is taking the cue from his mother.

Manisha points out the living room walls that are covered with scrawls in chalk and crayons “ I want more people to understand and take up this art and would be most happy if my children learn it from me, “ She adds.


Manisha says artists are often a exploited lot, especially in rural India, where Madhubani Paintings are sold for as less as Rs. 5 a piece. She dreams of starting a training center for madhubani Paintings at Kapleshwar, a village in Bihar. This will not only spread the art but help women earn on their own.

Manisha never though she would ever exhibit her work. At the behest of an eager art buyer she exhibited at India International Centre and Lalit Kala Academy in Delhi drawing a very warm response. “ It you paint you must exhibit, that’s her message to painters of Vadodara.
 

Malay Vyas and Anita Mehta