Kuntal Dutta, a graduate from the Academy of Fine Arts in Howrah, West Bengal, known for his expertise in Alpona — a traditional Bengali art often seen during auspicious occasions — brings vibrant depictions of Goddess Durga to life. Similarly, Manoranjan Chitrakaar, from a lineage of Pattachitra artists in Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, uses natural hues to weave stories of individuals amidst nature, capturing scenes like harvesting honey amidst wildlife.
The duo are among the over 150 visual artists from across India who have united under Union Culture Ministry’s unique Project PARI (Public Art of India). The project has been particularly inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s deep appreciation for public art celebrating “Celebration of life through six seasons of India” at Pragati Maidan’s 1.6-km long tunnel in New Delhi during its inauguration two years ago.
The project aiming to showcase India’s cultural legacy and the country’s UNESCO heritage sites comes ahead of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee here to be held between 21-31 July.
The initiative is being executed by Lalit Kala Akademi and National Gallery of Modern Art and aims to showcase India’s cultural legacy and UNESCO heritage sites through diverse array of artworks including wall paintings, murals, sculptures, and installations themed around nature, ancient knowledge, and World Heritage Sites like Bimbetka.
These artworks draw inspiration from rich cultural and traditional styles from across India such as Phad paintings from Rajasthan, Thangka from Sikkim and Ladakh, Pattachitra miniature painting from Himachal Pradesh, Gond art from Madhya Pradesh, Tanjore paintings from Tamil Nadu, and more.
For instance, Phad painting is the forte of Gopal Joshi from Bhilwara, Rajasthan.
His family’s generations-long dedication to Phad painting helps him brings his expertise to enrich public spaces with cultural depth and narrative richness.
A traditional art form from the Northern State, the painting is appreciated for its intricate storytelling depicting the life and legends of Bhagwan Devnarayan on cloth canvases.
Through Project PARI, Joshi’s contributions help bring this rich artistic tradition to a broader audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for Rajasthan’s cultural tapestry and its enduring artistic expressions, said an official from the Culture Ministry.
The sculptures being created encompass a wide range of themes paying tribute to nature, ideas from the Natyashastra, Mahatma Gandhi, traditional Indian toys, hospitality, ancient knowledge, Naad (Primeval Sound), Harmony of life, and the divine tree Kalpataru.
The unique project seeks to bring forth public art that draws inspiration from millennia of artistic heritage (lok kala/lok sanskriti) while incorporating modern themes and techniques, the official said.
