The new Parliament building in New Delhi, all set to be inaugurated, apart from having “extensive use of wooden structure…rooted in traditional motifs and elements…” will also house centuries-old Phad paintings of Rajasthan that depict the narratives of the folk deities of the state.
Based on the theme of democracy, the scroll painting has been made using “natural pigment dyes” like indigo blue, hartal (yellow), and the colour black from kajal.
Sharing details about the magnificent creation, artist Kalyan Joshi who led a team of 15 artists from Rajasthan’s Bhilwara to complete the 75 x 9 feet artwork within a span of three-and-a-half months, said: “Traditionally, we depict the folk deities Pabuji (a local hero figure) and Devnarayan (a reincarnation of Vishnu) in vivid detail. But now, we have also started creating works based on historical figures like Maharana Pratap, Queen Padmini, or the warrior Gora Badal.”
One of the Phad paintings (Source: Kalyan Joshi/Chitrashala)
According to artisera.com, the works are traditionally created on a hand-woven coarse cotton cloth that is soaked overnight to thicken the threads, stiffened with rice or wheat flour starch, stretched, dried in the sun, and finally rubbed with a moonstone to smoothen the surface and give it a sheen. The entire process of making a Phad painting is completely natural, with the use of natural fibres, and natural paints sourced from stones, flowers, plants and herbs. The paints are handmade by the artists, and mixed with gum and water before applying to cloth.
Notably, Phad painting is unfolded like a roll which is why, the paintings are called ‘phad’, which means ‘fold’ in the local dialect.
“This artform can be understood even by the layman to appreciate its beauty. It is quite empowering to know that the artwork not only creates a beautiful visual representation but also helps create awareness about the indigenous gods and the culture of the state,” the 54-year-old artist said.
Notably, for over two centuries, the Joshi families of Bhilwara and Shahpura have been recognised as the traditional artists of Phad painting, according to cultureandheritage.org. It is said that folk balladeers travel from village to village and use these paintings as “mobile temples”.
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Artist Kalyan Joshi (Source: Kalyan Joshi/Chitrashala)
Kalyan, who has previously worked with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, was commissioned to create the painting for the new Parliament building.
“It is a prestigious moment for all of us in the community,” shared the artist, who runs Chitrashala School of Art where out of over 4,000 pupils nearly 200-400 pursue Phad professionally.
Recently, an Instagram reel showcasing the mighty artwork created for the Parliament went viral recently. However, concerned netizens were quick to question whether the artwork will be used as a carpet, as visible in the video.
While the painting has been made on the floor due to its long size, it will eventually adorn the walls of the G20 Headquarters in New Delhi. “It will not be used as a carpet,” informed Kalyan.
What’s next?
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Kalyan is quick to respond, “I want to create Phad based on Ramayana at the Ram Mandir being built in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.”
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‘Prestigious moment for the community’: Artist expresses joy on creating Phad painting for the new Parliament building - The Indian Express
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