From painted coconuts to the romance of the seasons, Odisha’s patachitra artists bring their eclectic work to the city at this exhibition
Chennai; The cultural corridors of Chennai were enriched by the arrival of a timeless artistic legacy from Odisha. At the intimate setting of Forum Art Gallery, an exhibition titled “Jagannatha: A Hand-Picked Collection of Fine Odisha Patachitra” unfolded like a living manuscript, each artwork narrating stories steeped in mythology, nature, and everyday village life.
An Artist at Work
In one corner of the gallery, a quiet yet compelling scene captured the essence of the exhibition. Seated on a charpai, clad in a simple waistcoat and dhoti, was National Award-winning artist Sharat Kumar Sahoo. Completely immersed in his craft, he brought to life a delicate image of Krishna with meticulous strokes. Using a fine brush crafted from squirrel hair and fastened to a twig, his hand moved with practiced precision, each line, loop, and flourish revealing decades of dedication.
Around him, the works of 11 artists from Raghurajpur adorned the gallery walls. This small village, renowned for its artistic heritage, is home to generations of patachitra practitioners who have preserved and evolved this intricate art form.
Layers Within Layers
The exhibition revealed the distinctive complexity of patachitra, an art form where every piece invites closer inspection. One particularly striking work featured Ganesha, rendered in earthy browns and deep blacks. Created by artist Bijay Parida, the composition exemplified a hallmark of the tradition: a form within a form. Intricate patterns and smaller figures emerged from within the larger image, yet the central deity remained visually dominant, his trunk, tusks, and modak distinctly emphasized.
Nearby, painted coconuts, transformed into vibrant, spherical canvases, added a playful dimension to the display. These unconventional surfaces, adorned with vivid motifs, highlighted the adaptability of the art form while retaining its traditional roots.
Narratives of Life and Myth
Curated by Suguna Swamy, who has worked closely with the artists of Raghurajpur, the exhibition explored recurring themes central to patachitra. Scenes of Radha and Krishna in idyllic harmony, the cyclical rhythms of the seasons, and the nuanced stages of a woman’s life unfolded across panels rich in color and symbolism.
“Village life, mythological narratives, and elaborate adornment rituals are integral to their storytelling,” noted Suguna. In one detailed composition, a woman’s daily routine was depicted across multiple frames, each moment seamlessly connected to form a cohesive narrative, a visual chronicle of lived experience. At the far end of the gallery, a dramatic shift in tone drew attention. Dominated by deep black hues, a series inspired by the architectural grandeur of the Konark Sun Temple showcased intricate carvings of pillars, solar motifs, and ornamental designs, testament to the artists’ ability to translate monumental heritage into miniature detail.
Crafting Tradition
The process behind patachitra is as fascinating as its visual language. Artists traditionally use vegetable dyes and mineral-based pigments, resulting in soft, earthy tones that are gentle on the eye. The canvas itself is handcrafted, cotton cloth coated with a mixture of chalk and tamarind seed gum, polished to achieve a smooth, leather-like finish. Palm leaves are also used, often fashioned into foldable manuscripts that echo ancient storytelling traditions.
While acrylic paints occasionally find their way into contemporary works, the essence of the craft remains rooted in its natural materials and time-honored techniques.
Art and Livelihood
For the 120-odd families of Raghurajpur, patachitra is a way of life. “As you walk through the village, every home invites you in,” shared Suguna. Yet, this deep dependence on the craft has also led to challenges. With tourism driving demand, many younger artisans focus on producing market-friendly pieces, sometimes at the cost of artistic depth. Despite this, dedication remains unwavering. Sahoo begins his day at 4 a.m., working tirelessly until late evening, often under the glow of a table lamp. Having started at the age of 13, his journey reflects both discipline and devotion. When asked about his preferred subjects, he smiles shyly: “I am drawn to the most intricate work, it challenges me.”
Meanwhile, younger artists like Prasanta Moharana express a desire for evolution. While respecting tradition, they seek opportunities to innovate and reinterpret the art form for contemporary audiences.
A Living Legacy
“Jagannatha: A Hand-Picked Collection of Fine Odisha Patachitra” was a bridge between regions, generations, and artistic philosophies. By bringing this heritage to Chennai, the show not only celebrated the richness of Odisha’s cultural identity but also sparked conversations about preservation, adaptation, and the future of traditional arts in a modern world. As visitors left the gallery, they carried with them not just visual impressions, but stories, of devotion, craftsmanship, and a community whose identity is intricately woven into every brushstroke.