An important step in the evolution of Madhubani painting and a major factor in its popularity around the world is the art’s Japanese connection. Nestled deep in the picturesque, mountainous region of Tokamachi in Japan’s Niigata prefecture is a museum with a collection of over 4,000 artworks by some of the greatest Mithila artists. The museum is the mission of a single individual, Tokio Hasegawa, who has spent over 40 years collecting and preserving Indian folk art. In the 1980s, he travelled to Bihar looking for Ganga Devi after chancing upon her artworks brought to Japan by tourists. Enchanted by the form, he turned a vacant school building in Tokamachi into the Mithila Museum. Here, Tokio Hasegawa would collect art as well as host artists like Ganga Devi, Sita Devi and Godawari Dutta. These stalwarts would spend time at the Museum, months at a stretch, thinking, conversing and creating art, in the process sparking lifelong relationships.
Sarmaya presents this digital exhibition in collaboration with Mithila Museum to showcase works created by some of the genre’s most legendary artists—accompanying some of the works are notes by Tokio Hasegawa, who shares his memories of collaborating with them. This visual feast is also a Hall of Fame and a crash-course in art history because it gives us a peek into the oeuvre of artists who combined traditional knowledge with artistic flair and great courage. They were stepping out of their homes and comfort zones to blaze a trail for generation of Mithila artists to come.
All images copyright courtesy: Mithila Museum, Japan and Tokio Hasegawa
Thanks for all your efforts for showcasing, preserving Madhubani from the grandmasters – Ganga Devi, Bua Devi and Godavari Devi. Such a treat ! And a noble endeavour on your part.
Really a wonderful exhibition.I am also an artist of mithila art.
lovely to see international interest in India at such a deep and substantive level. an archive of over 4000 works in japan. that is something
Thanks for showing such a wonderful paintings.It inspires new generation artists.
Thanks for doing this Paul and Pavitra . You are enlightening so many who are unaware of the this beautiful traditional Indian art form . I have been showing the masters Satya Indian art form I have been showing the masters Satya Narayan and Moti Karn and now Jyoti Karn for 10 years , and it is inspirational to see their sincerity and dedication