“We use natural elements to make our art. But we never buy flowers or pluck them; instead we pick them when they fall naturally. We grind these flowers, making natural paint that lasts a life time,” says Satyanarayan, who now teaches at Bal Bhavan in Delhi.
Moti adds, “We are against commercialising our art. That’s why we don’t use brushes or synthetic paint. We use thin broom sticks. Some Mithila painters are using sketch-pens and ink-pens to make quick money. We do not mind if filling in details takes us a month,” she says.
Mithila art, originated in Bihar and the themes painted are religious, social and nature. The work is intricate and usually passed down from mother to daughter.
Moti got trained in the art when she was 8 and realised she didn’t want to study. Her mother Karpudi Devi, an artist of repute, dissuaded her at first. “My mother is well known and had displayed her art in Japan. Eventually she allowed me to paint,” says Moti who has not stopped her son from painting though he prefers graphic designing.
Satyanarayan struggled to learn too. “Mithila art is woman dominated, so I secretly watched my mother, Jagdambad who has won a Padmashree. She realised I was keen to learn and disciplined me. At 10, I charged Rs 5,000 for my first painting. I overcharged because I didn’t want to sell, but when they still bought it I was pleased,” he recalls.
It’s been a long journey for the two. “It’s difficult because in India there’s a trend of Modern and Contemporary art, but traditional art is not given enough importance. It hurts when only Westerners promote and write about our art,” says Satyanarayan.
Struggle has its rewards too. Besides this solo exhibition and patronage from the Gandhi family, their dream to open an institute for Mithila painting in their village in Bihar is coming true. “Only when they live away from the city, will the next generation of painters realise what Mithila art is about,” they add.link
