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Goddess Veena Vadini in Kalighat
Goddess Veena Vadini in Kalighat
About Art
Kalighat painting, or Kalighat Pat, originated in the 19th century near the Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. These paintings were initially inspired by the goddess Kali, who represents Shakti, the active female energy in Hindu philosophy. Female subjects were often portrayed as strong and powerful in honor of Kali. Over time, Kalighat paintings expanded to include a variety of themes, such as mythological characters, festivals, and scenes from daily life and culture.
Today, only a small number of artists continue this art form in rural areas of West Midnapore and Birbhum in West Bengal. These artists focus on religious, secular, and contemporary themes, blending traditional techniques with modern styles. Historically, the artists, known as patuas, settled near the temple as Kolkata became an economic and religious hub.
The patuas originally created paintings on handmade paper scrolls, depicting long narrative scenes from Hindu mythology. These scrolls were unrolled as they traveled through rural Bengal, narrating the stories to villagers. The paintings were made with natural dyes derived from vegetables and minerals. Initially, the focus was on Goddess Kali and her victories over demons, but over time, the subjects expanded to include other deities and their tales. Later, the paintings began to depict everyday life, though the unique style of Kalighat painting remained consistent.
Today, only a small number of artists continue this art form in rural areas of West Midnapore and Birbhum in West Bengal. These artists focus on religious, secular, and contemporary themes, blending traditional techniques with modern styles. Historically, the artists, known as patuas, settled near the temple as Kolkata became an economic and religious hub.
The patuas originally created paintings on handmade paper scrolls, depicting long narrative scenes from Hindu mythology. These scrolls were unrolled as they traveled through rural Bengal, narrating the stories to villagers. The paintings were made with natural dyes derived from vegetables and minerals. Initially, the focus was on Goddess Kali and her victories over demons, but over time, the subjects expanded to include other deities and their tales. Later, the paintings began to depict everyday life, though the unique style of Kalighat painting remained consistent.
About the workshop
Goddess Veena Vadini or Maa Sarasvati in Kalighat : This Kalighat painting portrays Goddess Saraswati, also known as Veena Vadini, with elegance and beauty. She is the goddess of wisdom, creativity, and purity. In the painting, she is seated on a pink lotus, symbolizing spiritual growth and purity amidst the distractions of the world. Her serene face radiates peace and deep knowledge.
Goddess Saraswati’s attire and jewelry are detailed and vibrant, with bright colors like red, gold, and green that represent prosperity, intelligence, and creative energy. She holds a veena, symbolizing her role as the goddess of music, arts, and learning.
The background is a mix of light gray and white, giving a soft, glowing effect that represents the light of knowledge overcoming ignorance. A gentle halo around her head highlights her divine presence.
She sits on a graceful, light-yellow peacock with detailed feathers in soft shades, symbolizing beauty, wisdom, and awareness. Green leaves and blooming lotus flowers near her feet connect her to nature and purity. Warm orange tones around her add a touch of creativity and divine warmth, completing the peaceful and sacred essence of the painting.
In this 1-week workshop create your masterpiece learning the techniques and history of this beautiful art form. You can attend live Zoom sessions where you interact with the master artist and other participants, learning not only the art form in depth but also more about the culture of the region. A structured classroom with step-wise instructions. pictures and recorded videos will be available after the session on Google Classroom.
This is a great opportunity to learn the motifs, techniques, and history of this ancient art form. Sign up for the workshop today!
Theme: Goddess Veena Vadini or Maa Sarasvati in Kalighat
Dates: 27th Jan. to 30th Jan. 25(Mon to Thurs.)
Time: 3.30 PM to 4.30 PM IST
Duration:4 hours (4 Sessions approx.)
Original Price: ₹750
Dates: 27th Jan. to 30th Jan. 25(Mon to Thurs.)
Time: 3.30 PM to 4.30 PM IST
Duration:4 hours (4 Sessions approx.)
Original Price: ₹750
Materials Needed
Material Needed:
- A3 inches paper inches Size Sheet
- Pencil, Scale, Eraser
- Micron Pen/ Fine Tip Markers
- All Acrylic Colors or Watercolors (Artist Will Use Natural Colors)
- Round Brush 0, 2, 4, 8
- Mixing Palette
- Bowl of Water, Rough Cloth
Key Learning Objectives
Module details:
Module 1 : Preparing the sketch.
Module 2 : Giving the base color to the entire picture.
Module 3 : Giving outline and detailing on the elements of the painting.
Module 4:Completing the detailing and adding final touches.
Module 2 : Giving the base color to the entire picture.
Module 3 : Giving outline and detailing on the elements of the painting.
Module 4:Completing the detailing and adding final touches.
History of Saraswati Puja:
In Hindu mythology, after creating the universe, Lord Brahma felt disappointed by the silence and emptiness on Earth. To bring life to his creation, he sprinkled water from his Kamandal (sacred pot), and an angel appeared with a Veena (a stringed instrument). Brahma asked her to play music to remove the silence and spread happiness. This is why Goddess Saraswati is also called Veena Vadini, the one who plays the Veena.
So, Goddess Saraswati was born from Brahma's mind to bring wisdom, speech, and creativity to his creation. She gifted language, music, and art to the world, and her Veena symbolizes the balance and harmony in life.
In Hindu mythology, after creating the universe, Lord Brahma felt disappointed by the silence and emptiness on Earth. To bring life to his creation, he sprinkled water from his Kamandal (sacred pot), and an angel appeared with a Veena (a stringed instrument). Brahma asked her to play music to remove the silence and spread happiness. This is why Goddess Saraswati is also called Veena Vadini, the one who plays the Veena.
So, Goddess Saraswati was born from Brahma's mind to bring wisdom, speech, and creativity to his creation. She gifted language, music, and art to the world, and her Veena symbolizes the balance and harmony in life.
About the Master Artist
The Artist:- master artist Samir Chitrakar is from a tribal family in Midnapore, West Bengal. He is a generational Kalighat and Santhal artist and has conducted many art exhibitions.
Know more - About the Artist
Image Source and Disclaimers
Disclaimer for the art workshop:
- The artist will make the painting in the standard size, and it is recommended to use the same size. However, participants may choose other sizes as per their convenience and seek artist guidance in live sessions to manage the artwork in their chosen size of canvas.
- Artist typically use the brushes at their convenience as they have years of experience. Participants may choose the brush size as per their convenience and level of expertise, and seek artist guidance in the live sessions.
- Artists use the sample image as a reference image for teaching purposes only. They typically provide their interpretation and variations to make a unique artwork. Sample image is not copied as it is and Catterfly provides the due credit to the original artist (wherever available) in our marketing communications.
**The displayed image is a representational image from the net. Check our website to see the source and name of the original artist**
Duration
4 Hrs
Price
$ 9
Offer on Pre-recorded classes
Use the code "CATTERFLY30" during checkout to enjoy a fantastic 30% off on Pre-recorded classes.
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