{"product_id":"a-couple-taking-a-selfie-in-kalighat-by-uttam-chitrakar","title":"A Couple taking a Selfie in Kalighat by Uttam Chitrakar","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Kalighat painting by Uttam Chitrakar offers a brilliant, contemporary twist on the traditional Babu-Bibi theme, seamlessly blending 19th-century folk art techniques with a playful commentary on modern digital culture. Originating near the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, this art style has historically been celebrated for its ability to capture social trends, satire and changing domestic dynamics with absolute economy of line. This refreshing interpretation captures a young couple thoroughly absorbed in taking a couple’s selfie.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt the heart of the composition stands the affectionate couple, closely intertwined with their arms wrapped around each other to form a warm, unified physical silhouette. The man, positioned on the left, holds his arm straight out to steady a smartphone, his face turned toward the screen with a subtle, content expression. He is dressed in a dark, navy-blue long sleeve kurta accented with a dense pattern of white geometric shapes, paired with a clean, white dhoti. A pink embroidered shawl drapes over his shoulder and loops around his arm, adding movement and texture to his attire. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe woman stands on the right, leaning into his embrace with her arm looped behind his back. She is beautifully attired in a festive, bright-red short-sleeved blouse adorned with white geometric prints, paired with a pleated yellow sari. Her hair is neatly tied back, a striking red line of sindoor parting her hairline, while her elongated, stylized almond eyes look up toward the phone screen.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePeeking into the frame from the lower left corner is a stylized domestic cat, completing the cozy scene. Painted in stark black, the cat stares upward with wide, alert eyes, playfully mimicking the couple's attention toward the device. In classical Kalighat iconography, the cat often acts as a silent, knowing witness to the whims and follies of domestic life, making its inclusion here a clever, humorous nod to how technology dominates modern household spaces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe painting features the Kalighat school's signature bold outlines, using thick, sweeping strokes to give the figures their rounded, volumetric presence. The color palette relies on a striking contrast between the cool navy and light grey tones against the vibrant red and gold-yellow garments, all highlighted by meticulous white line-work on the textiles and accessories. By documenting a ubiquitous slice of modern daily life through centuries-old folk art conventions, this piece beautifully honors the living, evolving spirit of Bengal’s regional art heritage.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis series of artworks emphasising the intersection of technology and kalighat art is created in a collaboration between creative dignity and artist Uttam Chitrakar.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Uttam Chitrakar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45980330066134,"sku":null,"price":3000.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1194\/1498\/files\/Couples-taking-Selfie-In-Kalighat-by-Uttam-Chitrakar-1.png?v=1725607372","url":"https:\/\/www.memeraki.com\/products\/a-couple-taking-a-selfie-in-kalighat-by-uttam-chitrakar","provider":"Memeraki Retail and Tech Pvt Ltd.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}