‘Tales from Rajasthan’: Painting India in stories

By Dinasha Stephens

Whether told in hushed tones at bedtime, or gazed at as they adorn the walls of Sigiriya, stories have the power to bring history alive, making it a living, vibrant thread in our time. So too, with the vivid paintings at ‘Tales from Rajasthan,’ an exhibition of work by award-winning Indian artists, presented in Colombo by the Treasures of Asia Gallery on the 24, 25, 26 and 27 November at 168/1 Inner Flower Road, Colombo 7.

Each painting being exhibited is a story frozen in time. They capture the imagination with riveting historical scenes laid out in intricate paintings on various mediums, from silk to postcards and court manuscripts from years gone by. Animals too have their place, with gaily caparisoned elephants and camels carrying symbolism, bringing owners wealth, wisdom and self-sufficiency.

The Rajasthani paintings showcase timeless romance, images of love and affection, with weddings and grand processions revealed by delicate brushstrokes in bold colours. Rich ceremonial attire and accoutrements shining in gold and silver make for sumptuous scenes, feasts for the eye. Mughal court paintings, with stately emperors holding forth with trusted advisors, take the viewer back in time to a resplendent era of ornate furnishings and extravagant palaces. Madhubani art will also be on display, with its distinctive geometric patterns on handmade paper forming images of mythical and divine beings. All these forms combine in the exhibition, to weave the stories of India into a lush, multi-faceted tapestry of history, mythology and nature.

The artists themselves have a rich history of their own, having practiced their craft for generations. Shri Hemant Ramdev, one of those represented, learnt his technique from his guru and brother, making use of mineral and vegetable dyes to create paintings beautiful to their smallest detail. He is a recipient of an Indian State Award for his work. Hari Narayan is another fourth-generation artist who has received acclaim. His work re-imagines the old, giving it new purpose, with gorgeous paintings drawn on old manuscripts with court stamps and postcards from the 1970s and before. These artists and their families are among those granted patronage by the Maharaja, creating traditional masterpieces that transcend time. The work of other Indian artists too will be showcased, including meticulous miniatures.

‘Tales from Rajasthan’ is brought to you by Treasures of Asia Gallery, as its first venture. It is curated by Lilani Perera, to evoke the wonder and sensuousness of India’s imperial era, with the stories and myths that colour its culture winding through the images to gild the present day. 

“I’ve always had a passion for the striking beauty, splendour and variety of Indian ancient art. The lavish colours and intricate detail animate the subjects, and make the paintings a joy to behold and possess. Whilst appreciating the fact that we have a rich culture of painting in Sri Lanka in our own right, I wish to share this unique sense of eastern aesthetics together with the stories woven around each of them, bringing a sense of delight and gratification to the beholder. This is art, to be treasured and cherished,” she said. 

Chief Guest Rajashree Behera, the Director of the Indian Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka would inaugurate the exhibition on 24 November, at 168/1, Inner Flower Road, Colombo 7. The exhibits will be on view for sale on 25, 26 and 27 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, please contact Lilani Perera on [email protected] or on 0777793345.