Patta Painting
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Intricate borders being hand painted in black with a fine tipped brush.
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The borders define the canvas framework for the artists central theme.
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Diagonal lines are lightly drawn with pencil to get the center point.
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Symmetry, rhythm and repetition form common design elements of most Patachitras.
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Concentric spaces are created to further divide the central theme.
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Simple paper-marker is used to space the circles to suit the design.
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The stencil becomes a reference for the concentric space that holds it.
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The stencil is used to trace a uniform pattern for consistency.
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Usually the central theme is surrounded by such repetitive floral motives.
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A closer view of the other designs.
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Fine shapes and forms are darwan on the body surface of the canvas.
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Today women also play an active part in upholding this rare heritage.
The Pattachitra artists are called ‘Chitrakaars’ (Painters). These Chitrakaar families also paint in the temples, the chariots and numerous pata paintings for commercial purposes such as wall hangings and ganjappa playing cards. This tradition is inherited in the form of a family sketch book, handed down over generations and cherished as a precious sacred possession. Earlier identified as a man’s domain, today even women play an active part in upholding this rare heritage. The following pictures show the female trainees engaged in making pattachitra painting.
