Madhubani – their identity !
By A D’Souza

“ In keeping with the Chinese idea of duality, everthing that exists in nature, exists in sets of two" – this philosophy is shared deeply by sisters / painters
- Manisha and Bandana Jha

Over the Centuries, India has never failed to present artists of repute. This country, rich in its cultures and traditions, has so many diversites, that transcending its boundaries sometimes becomes difficult.

But for two Bihar-born-Delhi-based sisters, Madhubani folk painting, is their expression of India. Their exihibition ( which is incidentally their first ever ) at the Kala Academy, Panjim ( from December 16-23 ) is a collection of Paintings which are simple and playful with a special love for bright and vibrant colours.

Manisha and Bandana were introduced to the Madhubani folk painting in their early childhood. It was instilled in the women of the Mithaila region of Bihar for many centuries, and hence got passed on from generation to generation, Our grandmother- Phoolmaya Devi was a celebrated artist of Madhubani and had even been bestowed with a state award. It was our grandmother and mother who initiated us into this form of art,” says Bandana.

“ Folk art was done mainly by the women who didn’t know to do anything else,” says Manisha, “ After their daily chores, when the men folk were still out, the women were found painting the walls of their houses with colourful images of goods and goddesses wearing all their finery”.

“These folk paintings are a very common feature of the community, specially during weddings, mundans etc,” says Bandana.

“Trained to be architects, the sisters have, for the past 15-20 years, evolved some mind boggling Madhubani images on canvas, “ We owe our creativity to our exposure to art while still studying. Our training as architects led us to explore and try new things. We now infuse the traditional into the modern. And keeping in mind the style (in which Madhubani paintings are drawn) we experiement with folk paintings, “ explains Bandana as she sketches an image of Krishna on hand-made paper, with a sketch pen.

The paintings depict mythological themes which share their relevance to day to day living and project rich values in their colourful forms.

“ Values and themes which are traditional have become a part of our lives. We are not able to break away from them. We require them, “ says Manisha as she explains the mythological factors behind each and every painting to a group of art students gathered in attendance.

But for somebody who has been following art since childhood, these sisters have a certain easy style as they sketch on paper, “ You first ascertain the theme and the certain traditional aspects associated with the theme. Once you have got the outline, filling it with colours is relatively easy. Lines are developed with more practice. The style that you develop after that is entirely yours, “ says Manisha.

“ Folk paintings are very typical” explains Manisha “ Most of the images are of Arvans which have those typical big nose and big eyes. “A very prominent feature of most of the paintings. Manisha further adds, “ as far as attributes are concerned they’re generally associated with the theme, for example Krishna is depicted and often shown playing this flute beneath a Kadam tree amidst some non too busy gopi’s.

“ Borders also form an integral part of the paintings. Most of them are based on mythological themes, says Manisha.

“ Actually it has a lot to do with belief also,” adds Bandana. “You have to first make a space i.e. the asana where you are going to worship the god and then only can you invoke him to come and take his place. So borders have a very auspicious meaning in most of our paintings.

But one has to acknowledge the intricate details that are filled in each and every corner. “ It’s not that you start and finish with the same theme in mind. ‘ emphasizes Manisha. “ One thing develops into another. I would have never visualized my paintings to come out the way it comes, “ explains Manisha.

Exhibiting their first showing in Goa, the sisters are not here to sell, “ I want to take Madhubani to the different parts of India. It is surprising that this form of Art, though originally from India, is widely acclaimed in other parts of the world. On the Internet there are 65 sites of Madhubani, that shows that outsiders are even more aware of something which is actually a part of our tradition. We just to popularize folk paintings within our own country”.

That is what we need today. Acknowledgement of our traditions and values and adaptation of them into the modern way of living. Something which we seldom realize !!.