When it comes to giving importance to art and culture, the Eastern India is still the most rational place in the country. And one such place where cultural variations can be explored even today is West Bengal. One of the famous folk art styles that were born in the East of India in the 19th century is “Kalighat Art”. Yes, Kalighat painting was native to West Bengal and people of today love to buy paintings online from this range for decoration purposes!
This blog is all about the Kalighat Paintings- the folk art of East of India. So, if you want to explore more about this painting style, keep reading the blog till the end.
Kalighat Art in Detail
It is believed that Kalighat art was originated from the region of Kalighat in Kolkata, West Bengal. Originally, these paintings were highlighted with pictures of Goddess Kali and her stories of victory over demons. As the time passed, the art form evolved and started highlighting tales of other Goddesses and Gods. The evolution happened to the stage where these paintings started showing the routine life of the people in that region. However, the style of artwork remains unchanged. Pattachitra painting, the art form done by the Patua community can be seen specially highlighted on the scrolls of Kalighat painting.
Kalighat Paintings were initially created on the paper canvas that was mill made. The artists attempt to bring exclusivity in each piece of Kalighat artwork using the homemade & natural dyes. The USP of these paintings include the big eyes of the chief characters and rich colors like green, blue, yellow, and more.
At the time of its manifestation in the initial days, it was a communal effort. The people from the entire region used to sit together and powder the ingredients like rice, turmeric, coal, and more to extract the colors and dyes for painting coloring purposes. Apart from it, some people do the outlines of the main characters in the paintings while other put efforts on designing the backdrop.
Evolution of Kalighat Paintings during British Empire
During the ruling period of British Empire, the Kalighat paintings got evolved and two types of Kalighat artwork began to exist:
1. Oriental Kalighat Artwork
The oriental style of kalighat paintings portrays the stories of Gods and Goddesses such as Lord Krishna & Radha Ji, Lord Rama and Sita Ji, Maa Durga, Lord Shiv and Parvati Ji, etc.
2. Occidental Kalighat Artwork
The occidental style of Kalighat paintings shows the daily incidences of people during independence. They also show the stories of freedom fighters and warriors such as Rani Lakshmi Bai life incidences, and more.
Current Scenario & Global Influence on Kalighat Folk Art
Kalighat paintings are today on display across the world. It is one of the best recognized styles of Indian contemporary art that has been loved at a global level. On top of being a folk art, it is also utilized as a stylish motif in the designing of trendy ethnic and traditional Indian clothes. Indian designers have got inspiration by this art style to design some of the unique motifs for the sarees and suits. This has ultimately increased its reach to the young generation of today who is more interested in modern art styles.
Buy Paintings Online from Kalighat Category
The exclusive pieces of Kalighat paintings can be easily purchased from any corner of the world. You don’t have to visit West Bengal to buy these paintings because many online painting websites are making them available to you at the door-steps. Check out famous painting selling websites like The Bimba, ArtZolo, etc. to purchase it at an affordable price. You can give your home a traditional vibe with Kalighat Artwork without disturbing your budget!
Conclusion
The history and evolution of Kalighat paintings have together made it the one of-a-kind art style that has got extensive positive criticism from native as well as global audience. Many people from India and around the world prefer buying paintings online from this category instead of modern artwork like abstract painting for décor tasks.
