ABOUT PATTACHITRA PAINTINGS

Pattachitra, one of the most ancient painting arts of Odisha, India, literally means "cloth painting" in Sanskrit. This art form is closely linked to the rich cultural and religious fabric of Odisha, particularly its centuries-old rituals and the worship of Lord Jagannath. Pattachitra is characterized by its intricate details as well as cultural narratives and folktales depicted in vibrant colors.

Tribal Heritage

The art of Pattachitra has been traditionally practiced by the 'Chitrakaras' (painter community) residing in and around Puri, especially in the village of Raghurajpur. This craft is passed down through generations, maintaining its sacredness and significance in tribal culture. The tribes involved treat each piece as an offering to their gods, which is why these paintings often have a spiritual and religious significance.

Time Consuming Artistry

The creation of a single Pattachitra can take several weeks to months, depending on the complexity and size of the artwork. Each piece reflects a commitment to traditional methods and painstaking detail, making Pattachitra not just art but a chronicle of time-honored craftsmanship.

Material Used

Apart from the natural colors and the traditional cloth canvas, other materials such as palm leaves are also used in some variations of Pattachitra, known as Tala Pattachitra. The choice of materials reflects the sustainable practices of the tribes, utilizing readily available local resources to create stunning works of art.

Pattachitra is not merely an art form but a living tradition that offers a glimpse into the religious and cultural ethos of Odisha. It stands as a testament to the skill and devotion of the tribal artists who continue to preserve and promote their heritage through each brush stroke. For art lovers and collectors, owning a Pattachitra is like preserving a piece of Indian history and spirituality.

This detailed look at Pattachitra highlights the blend of cultural depth and meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating each piece, making it a unique and meaningful addition to any art collection.

Handcrafted Techniques

The process of creating a Pattachitra is delicate and time-consuming, involving a series of intricate steps:

4. Painting

The painting begins with the outlines, usually done in black. The colors are then filled in. Brushes used are also indigenous, made from the hair of domestic animals like calf and rat tied to wooden sticks.

3. Making of Colors

Pattachitra is renowned for its use of natural colors. Artists prepare their colours from sources like stones, minerals, and plants.

For instance, The white colour extract from seashells was powdered soaked to make the white paste. The color green is made from the green leaf and green stones. Red is made from a local stone called Hingula. Another stone named Khandaneela was used to extract the color blue. The yellow is made from, stone named Hartal. Black is extracted by burnt coconut shell.

These five colors are also called Pancha Tatwa. Every color has its own significance, as the white illustrates Laughter (Hasya), Red stands furious, astonishment in yellow, The hair of the mouse and buffalo used to make brushes and tied to the end of a bamboo stick. The floral border makes the art astonishingly beautiful.

2. Sketching

Designs are then sketched onto the canvas using a chalk or charcoal piece. This initial sketch outlines the detailed scenes that will be painted.

1. Preparation of Canvas

Apart from the natural colors and the traditional cloth canvas, other materials such as palm leaves are also used in some variations of Pattachitra, known as Tala Pattachitra. The choice of materials reflects the sustainable practices of the tribes, utilizing readily available local resources to create stunning works of art.