reimagine II
Inside the studios and minds of seven contemporary artists who have interpreted and re-imagined objects from our collection to tell us stories in their unique styles
Mithila painting
Ganesh Chaturthi
This is a Mithila painting of Ganesh Chaturthi is by Manisha Jha. One of the most popular Hindu festivals in India, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Ganesh or Ganapati, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati. Ganesha is also known as Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles) and Hastimukha (elephant-headed). He is an important deity in the… Read more »
Untitled (Tree of Life)
The theme of the painting is based on a philosophical concept known as the ‘Tree of life’. This concept elevates the symbol of the tree to a sacred one, which is respected and worshipped all over the world, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism. The symbol has been found sculpted or painted in relics of ancient… Read more »
Ardhanareshwar
The theme of this painting is religious, it showcases the deity, Ardhanareshwar. The right side of the central figure of the painting is Shiva and the left, Parvati. In rare depictions of the Shakti cult, Parvati is shown on the right because the group believes the Goddess to be the creator of all beings, and… Read more »
Untitled (Godna style)
Godna paintings, like this one, look similar to Ariipana (floor) paintings but are different in motifs used, which is stylistically typical to the Dalit and the Dusadh community. Much like the upper caste tradition of Kachni and Bharni Mithila paintings, the Dalit and Dusadhs castes have, for decades, been decorating the walls of their homes… Read more »
Untitled
Madhubani or Mithila painting was born as a ritual art form during wedding ceremonies. This Madhubani painting showcases a veiled woman in the centre. Her face painted inside a circular structure may represent a bride. The woman’s veil and big nose ring are red and she also wears a red flower painted in place of… Read more »