Artist

PATACHITRA

Dating back a millennium, Pattachitra is a traditional style of painting native to the state of Odisha. The word ‘pattachitra’ derives from the Sanskrit roots patta or canvas and chitra or picture. The artists are known as chitrakars and they take inspiration from the vast Hindu pantheon. Given that pattachitra is native to Odisha, it is no small wonder that Shri Jagannath (famously worshipped in the Odisha temple town of Puri) is a constant in these works. The paintings are vibrant, alive with colour and design. A ritual the chitrakars follow means that they begin working with white and end with it, as well.