The princely state of Rajasthan is eternally known for its rich cultural heritage. Through the exhibition ‘Vibrant Rajasthan’ artist Priyanka Banerjee makes an endeavour to give a glimpse of the opulent state through her artworks. She draws inspiration from the rich art and culture of the state left behind by our ancestors. Rajasthan is famous for its artistic and cultural traditions which reflect ancient way of life. The princely state is replete with mesmerizing forts and palaces speaking of innumerable tales of the bygone era. Enduring the unmerciful desert winds and oppressing heat of the scorching sun, they have stood unshakable many sieges and have provided a safe haven for the rulers in the conflicting times. The colorful state and its glory are being well preserved by the people of Rajasthan and makes it a hot spot for adventure and tourism. The architecture of the majestic forts and palaces of the vibrant state is unique and is based on the Rajput school of architecture which was an impeccable blend of Hindu and Mughal structural design. The Rajputs were prolific builders. It reflects in some of the mind-blowing art and architecture. Some of the imposing and magnificent forts and palaces in the world dot the arid Aravalli landscapes and tell the tales of their glorious legacy.
The interplay of light and shadows on the architectural marvels have always captivated the artist and have compelled her to transform this magic in her paintings. The havelis and jharokhas have found a special place in her paintings. Jharokhas are types of overhanging enclosed balconies found in havelis, temples and palaces in Rajasthan. In the ancient times, the women in purdah could see the events outside without being spotted themselves. The golden hued jharokhas of Jaisalmer have been depicted in one of her paintings.
Camels, also known as the ship of desert are also subjects of her paintings. This animal has been used by princes since time immemorial to highlight royalty and regality. Camels are embellished by the camel owners to attract the youth to travel across the arid Thar desert of Jaisalmer. Embellished camels along with their owners are a subject of her paintings. They are a part and parcel of the arid landscape. The hospitality of the people has always touched her soul. Their smiling faces, long moustaches, their colorful attires, their vibrant turbans in their unadulterated forms have become favorite subjects of her artworks.
Since time immemorial Rajasthan has been known for its famous traditional and colourful art. The same thing finds a reflection in the artist’s artworks where she paints Rajasthani women in their traditional attires doing different domestic chores. Rajasthan is also noted for its national parks and wild life sanctuaries: Keoladeo National Park of Bharatpur, Ranthambore National Park of Sawai Madhopur, Sariska Tiger Reserve of Alwar and Desert National Park of Jaisalmer. All of these find a sincere mention in her artworks. The forests are replete with flora and fauna and are extremely important for ecological balance.
The serpentine lanes and by lanes of Jaisalmer, lanes and manganiars of western Rajasthan playing the kamaicha the bowed lute, the colorful by lanes of Jaisalmer abundant with colourful handicraft items, the tired shepherd leading the herd of sheep through meandering fields, the eternal glory of majestic Mehrangarh fort, ruins of Chittorgarh reminding of the jauhar of queen Padmini, the conversing camel owners of Pushkar fair are the subjects of her paintings.
Different mediums like watercolor on paper, acrylics on canvas, soft pastels on paper have been used to execute the artworks.