The beautiful lines from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s Ulysses inspire the artist to venture out on adventure and seek a new world full of mirth and harmony. The princely state of Rajasthan is eternally known for its rich cultural heritage left behind by our forefathers. Through her exhibition ‘Vibrant Rajasthan’ artist and curator 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.
The art exhibition “Vibrant Rajasthan” is being organised from 3rd to 6th October at open Palm Court, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi.
Rajasthan is famous for its artistic and cultural traditions which reflect ancient way of life. 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. 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. 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.
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. 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.