Ramayana — An Epic of Thousand Lines in Madhubani Style.
Narrating the story of epic Ramayana through Madhubani Paintings.
Excepts from the session: Art of Seeing — 9th Edition at ITC Welcome Hotel, New Delhi.
Behold the majestic Madhubani Paintings! Developed in the Mithila Region of the eastern state of Bihar, this art form has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the times of the legendary king Janaka, father of princess Sita. The king commissioned the finest artists to paint the wedding of his beloved daughter with the valiant prince Rama, and ever since then, the tradition of painting on the walls of the houses of this region has been passed down from generation to generation.
Madhubani paintings are truly unique, with their raw and innocent expression that seems like a childlike consciousness of mind interpreting the world as a colorful place filled with patterns, motifs, and two-dimensional forms. But these paintings are far from simplistic. Rather, they are layered and complex, creating fresh and original compositions that are unlike anything else in the world of art.
The forms, humans, and objects in Madhubani paintings are arranged as if they are lying on the flat surface of the ground, challenging the mind to break the perception of three-dimensionality into a two-dimensional vision. There are no perspective points, and no hierarchy of elements. Instead, the viewer is rewarded with the play of bright colors, complex forms, and rhythmic patterns that are truly breathtaking.
Madhubani paintings are a reservoir of raw visual consciousness of primitive human mind. They represent the quintessence of the artistic expression that has been passed down for centuries, capturing the imagination of people all over the world. From their unique origins to their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, Madhubani paintings are a true masterpiece of human creativity, a treasure trove of cultural heritage that has stood the test of time.
It’s quite interesting to see how these artists interpreted the epic story of Ramayana within this form. When we hear a story, we imagine the scenes as occurring in a 3 dimensional space. Sometimes our cinematic visualisation makes us see these scenes from various angles too. We are also conditioned to see things realistically with logics of proportions, natural human forms and a movement of unfolding of narrative. The Madhubani artist’s mind has evolved to break things down and simplify them to create a new sensation of viewing.
With a keen eye for composition, the Madhubani artists arrange their forms and figures on a flat plane, creating a rich tapestry of colors, patterns, and symbols that are layered and intricate, yet strikingly bold and unapologetically decorative. They discard the conventions of realistic proportions, instead opting for a more stylized and symbolic approach that is utterly mesmerizing to behold.
Through their art, the Madhubani painters transport us to a world that is at once primal and sophisticated, raw and refined. With a deep understanding of the human psyche and an innate sense of aesthetic harmony, they have created a visual language that speaks to us on a primal level, evoking emotions and sensations that are both timeless and universal. From the rhythmic flow of the lines to the vibrant hues of the colors, every element of a Madhubani painting is carefully crafted to create a stunning and unforgettable work of art.
Gaze upon the breathtaking beauty of this painting and marvel at how it transforms the world of Ramayana into a stunning, decorative masterpiece. The artist’s skillful use of unique and intricate techniques transports us to a world that is both familiar and yet completely new.
Observe how the pond shimmers with life, the fishes gliding gracefully through its waters, as if seen from a bird’s eye view. The humans are rendered as two-dimensional cutouts, yet their poses and expressions convey a sense of drama and emotion that draws us into the story. The trees are transformed into streams of flowing water, their branches and leaves dancing in harmony with the wind.
Every element of this painting is filled with a rich and vibrant energy, from the colorful birds that flutter about the scene, to the grass which is rendered as mesmerizing geometric patterns. The negative spaces are meticulously filled with intricate hatching, patterns, and colors, adding depth and complexity to the composition.
All of this is presented in a stunning flowery frame, which adds a sense of grandeur and elegance to the piece. This painting is a true testament to the power of art to transform and elevate our perceptions, and offers a unique and captivating new way of experiencing this ancient story.
Let’s take a wild and wacky ride into the world of Madhubani paintings and imagine how these incredible artists might depict some of history’s most significant moments.
What if we could see the epic battles and heroic feats of World War II rendered in the unique and colorful style of Madhubani? Picture tanks and planes transformed into playful geometric shapes, soldiers depicted as flat, stylized cutouts charging fearlessly into battle, and explosions bursting forth in a riot of vibrant colors and patterns.
And what about the moon landing? Could you imagine the lunar landscape depicted as a swirling, surreal dreamscape, filled with curious creatures and fantastic shapes? The astronauts might be portrayed as mystical beings, soaring through space on a magical journey of discovery.
It’s a tantalizing thought experiment, and one that could yield some truly fascinating and unexpected results. Who knows what these talented artists might come up with? One thing is for sure — it would be a fun and fascinating journey into the wild and wonderful world of Madhubani paintings!
Written by Sundeep Verma
Sundeep is a storyteller, mythologist and artist. He is the founder of Cobalt Blue Foundation. The above text is from his talk at the Art of Seeing session at the launch of Ramayan in Madhubani paintings exhibition at Vernssage Art Gallery, ITC Welcome Hotel, Dwarka, New Delhi.
Follow Sundeep: www.facebook.com/meet.sundeep
Explore the world of more such stories: www.cobaltbluefondation.com
