Human & Technology in Kalighat by Uttam Chitrakar

This captivating Kalighat painting, crafted by the talented artist Uttam Chitrakar, offers a glimpse into the harmonious relationship between humanity and technology. Central to the vibrant scene is a rich portrayal of Babu and Bibi engrossed in their mobile. They are seated on a rickshaw, a modest yet indispensable mode of urban transportation. At its helm is a human figure, his determined strides echoing the resilience and dedication inherent in the labor. Through masterful brushwork, Chitrakar not only captures the physicality of the rickshaw puller but also conveys the emotional weight of their toil. This artwork serves as a tribute to the spirit of labor and the unwavering commitment of those who propel the wheels of urban life forward.
In Chitrakar's painting, we witness a manifestation of Kalighat stylistic hallmarks — bold lines, vivid hues, and a thematic focus on contemporary urban life. Through his work, he not only captures the aesthetic essence of the Kalighat tradition but also reflects the societal and economic currents of his era.

Originating in the 19th century Bengal presidency, Kalighat paintings represent a distinctive urban art form that evolved from the traditional folk art of Pattachitra practiced by itinerant scroll painters known as patuas. These artisans, having migrated to Calcutta, assimilated the customs of British colonizers, the artistic revivalism of Mughal influences, and the theatrical use of Sanskrit. Their interactions with colonial artworks and the bustling urban landscape of Calcutta fostered the development of a unique stylistic approach. This period of artistic innovation coincided with the rise of mechanical reproduction technologies like woodcut, lithography, oleography, and printing, enabling widespread dissemination of visual imagery within urban centers. Kalighat artists embraced these advancements, employing watercolors, shaded figures, and large mill-made papers to realize their creative visions.

Each of our artworks are hand painted by master artists across India. We provide a digital authentication certificate with this artwork signed by the artist which will be sent over email after 3-4 days of delivery of the artwork.

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All artworks on the website are hand painted from scratch by our master artists. This makes every artwork absolutely unique and the actual colour and overall artwork may vary slightly from the artwork image posted here.