Masterclass Contents

Lesson 1 : Introduction of the Artist (Kalakar ka Parichay)

20 Mins

Lesson 2 : Introduction of the Art form (Kala ka Parichay)

15 Mins

Lesson 3 : Introduction of Materials used in Kalighat

13 Mins

Lesson 4: Designs and Motifs: Exploring the Basics of Kalighat Art

18 Mins

Lesson 5.1: Sketching a Babu Bibi artwork in Kalighat Art

12 Mins

Lesson 5.2: Base Colouring Babu Bibi artwork in Kalighat Art

46 Mins

Lesson 5.3 Final Detailing Babu Bibi artwork in Kalighat Art

1 Hr 40 Mins

Lesson 6.1: Sketching a Bengal Cat's Feast in Kalighat Art

28 Mins

Lesson 6.2: Base Colouring Bengal Cat's Feast in Kalighat Art

28 Mins

Details

KALIGHAT MASTERCLASS (ON DEMAND, PRE-RECORDED, SELF PACED) Lesson Image

Lesson 1: Introduction of the Artist (Kalakar ka Parichay): Residing in the serene village of Naya in Midnapore, West Bengal, meet Kalighat maestro Uttam Chitrakar, who has been creating fantastical works of art since childhood. Join his efforts to take Kalighat across the world!

Lesson 2: Introduction of the Art form (Kala ka Parichay): West Bengal, a state filled with cultural riches and historical tales! Listen to Master Artist Uttam Chitrakar, as he takes you through the historical, social, cultural, and regional influences that have shaped the essence of Kalighat.

Lesson 3: Introduction of Materials used in Kalighat: In this lesson, Uttam Chitrkar will take you on a vibrant journey as he unveils the secrets of creating enchanting colors from nature's palette. The artist will showcase the ingenious use of flowers, leaves, and rice to craft a spectrum of hues. Join the artist as he delves into the harmonious marriage of tradition and nature, discovering the artistry behind these locally sourced materials.

Lesson 4: Designs and Motifs: Exploring the Basics of Kalighat Art: In this lesson, discover the art of crafting hands, legs, figures, and the nuanced differences between male and female characters. Grab your pencils, and let's sketch the essence of Kalighat together!

Lesson 5.1: Sketching a Babu Bibi artwork in Kalighat Art: In this lesson, Uttam Chitrakar will teach you the intricacies of creating a lovely Babu Bibi seated on the veranda Grab your paper and pencil; it's time to bring the characters to life.

Lesson 5.2: Base Colouring Babu Bibi artwork in Kalighat Art: Prepare your palette; it's time to paint.

Lesson 5.3: Final Detailing Babu Bibi artwork in Kalighat Art: You've crafted a picturesque scene of a Bengali household! How did the cultural nuances add depth to your artwork? It’s time for you to understand your painting better! Reflect on the scene of Babu Bibi depicted in the painting.

Lesson 6.1: Sketching a Bengal Cat's Feast in Kalighat Art: In this lesson, artist Uttam Chitrakar reveals the art of making a Bengali Cat’s Feast.

Lesson 6.2: Base Colouring Bengal Cat's Feast in Kalighat Art: Prepare your palette; it's time to paint with the essence of nature.

Artist

Uttam Chitrakar

Uttam Chitrakar, born in 1991, is a remarkable Kalighat artist whose creative journey began under the guidance of his father. His artistic prowess flourished further through the teachings of his family members. Specializing in the Kalighat style, Uttam Ji skillfully captures the essence of Babu Culture in his works.

In 2018, he earned recognition as an Ojas Art Protégé Artist, showcasing his commitment to excellence. Uttam's artworks have graced prestigious institutions such as Chitrakala Parishad in Bengaluru, IGNCA in Delhi, Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata, and the Crafts Museum in Delhi. His ability to breathe life into the Kalighat tradition is truly commendable, making him a notable figure in the realm of Indian art.

Kalighat

Kalighat painting is a traditional art form that flourished in the vicinity of the Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata, India, during the 19th century. It is characterized by its bold lines, vibrant colors, minimal background details, and distinctive style. Jamini Roy was one of the artists greatly influenced by this style. Moreover, the themes of the Kalighat painting range from religious stories to social satires. Goddess Kali, Babu & Bibi, and Cat with the Fish are some of the well-known illustrations in this craft. History and Legend Kalighat painting began as a form of devotional art inspired by the pilgrimage to the Kalighat Temple. Pilgrims sought souvenirs to reminisce about their visits, leading to the creation of budget-friendly, portable artworks. Over time, these paintings evolved into a distinct style, reflecting the cultural and religious ethos of the region. Methods and Techniques Kalighat paintings are known for their simplicity and spontaneity, created using natural pigments on paper or cloth. The artists, known as 'patuas' or 'kalighat painters,' often worked in groups with shared responsibilities of mixing dyes, drawing lines, or filing up the colors. In the search for income, these craftsmen catered to British patrons at one point, incorporating elements of European realism and secular subjects into their craft. The secular subjects like English sahibs riding elephants, wealthy Calcutta babus (liberalists), and fraud sadhus (holy men) succumbing to base desires reflect the social concerns of that period. Decline and Revival The art form of Kalighat declined due to the advent of cheaper wood prints and machine-printed alternatives by the early 20th century. However, in recent decades, efforts have been made to revive the Kalighat painting tradition by artists, government, and art connoisseurs. The combined efforts through exhibitions, and workshops have helped in showcasing the unique identity of Kalighat painting and regain its lost legacy. More here on our blog.

ArtKits

Natural Colours for Kalighat by Uttam Chitrakar

Regular: ₹3,850.00

Sale: ₹3,850.00
Regular

Unit Price: per

Product Details

Title

KALIGHAT MASTERCLASS (ON DEMAND, PRE-RECORDED, SELF PACED)

Vendor

Uttam Chitrakar

Art Style

Kalighat

Difficulty Level

Beginner

Audio Language

Hindi

Subtitles

English

Number of Lessons

9

Artworks Covered

1

Country of Origin

West Bengal, India

FAQs

What is the difference between Masterclasses and LIVE workshops?

Masterclasses are complete pre-recorded courses of 7-8 parts that have been researched and recorded by us at the Master artists homes. LIVE workshops happen in real time over zoom along with the Master Artist and a small like-minded group. Live workshops have different levels. We only have a few Masterclasses right now - Lippan art from Kutch and Pichwai art from Nathdwara, Rajasthan and are producing and adding more every month. While we cover more than 60 heritage art and craft forms in our live workshops already.

I am a beginner, which class would you recommend for me?

You could attend a beginner friendly live workshop (or even a masterclass if its Lippan or Pichwai you are interested in) and then join the foundations or advanced LIVE workshops. The different levels for the LIVE workshops are- Beginner, Foundations and Advanced.

Are materials included in the masterclasses and LIVE workshops?

Materials are not included in the masterclasses but you can order from our list of authentic art kits and materials in addition to the masterclass. For the live workshops, materials are included in some of the live workshops as part of the workshop and it would be mentioned in the workshop description.

What is covered in the different levels of the LIVE workshops and in the Masterclasses?

Beginner Friendly- These are usually 1-2 classes of 2 hours each and one of the simpler artworks and motifs of that art style are covered in the beginner friendly workshops as an introduction to that art form.
Foundations- In the foundations live workshops, the workshops are structured to teach you the basic motifs and foundations of that art style , the focus is not on completing a painting but the elements taught in each class are incorporated in a painting and a few different compositions are also taught
Advanced- in the Advanced live workshop, usually the focus is on completing a more elaborate and intricate painting - no basic motifs are covered in the advanced workshops.
Masterclass-A masterclass is structured as 7-8 pre-recorded classes covering introduction of the artform, introduction of the artist, introduction of the different traditional materials used in that art and then 3 artworks are usually taught ranging from beginner to intermediate.

Do I get a certificate for completing a LIVE Workshop or a Masterclass?

Yes, going forward, our platform will automatically award you a certificate on behalf of MeMeraki for completing a workshop with us and being a patron of the arts. This will be accessible via the ‘My Workshops’ section under each workshop that you have attended after Nov 2021.