Art in spotlight: Pattachitra

A living tradition from Odisha, India, where storytelling, devotion, and craftsmanship meet

1. Rooted in Sacred Storytelling

Pattachitra is a centuries-old narrative art form that grew around temple traditions and oral storytelling. Each painting unfolds an episode from epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the life of Lord Jagannath; composed not as isolated images, but as visual stories meant to be read slowly

2. Handmade From Earth’s Materials

The process begins long before the first line is drawn. Cloth is prepared by hand, surfaces are layered with natural binders, and pigments are created from stones, shells, leaves, soot, and minerals. Nothing is rushed, nothing is synthetic; each step honors materials sourced from the natural world.

3. Sustained by Living Lineages

Pattachitra continues through families and communities who carry this knowledge across generations. By practicing slow, small-batch creation, artists preserve both cultural memory and a way of making that remains in balance with their environment.

Pattachitra Artists

Pattachitra Artists

Sridhar Nayak

ARTIST

Born into a lineage of Pattachitra painters, Sridhar is known for precise linework and balanced compositions. Their practice centers on preserving classical form while allowing stories to unfold with quiet clarity.

Abhiram Das

ARTIST

Specializing in natural pigments, Abhiram prepares colors from stones, leaves, shells, and soot. Their work is recognized for bold tonal depth and a vivid palette shaped by traditional methods.

Abakash Nayak

ARTIST

Practicing the ancient art of TalaPatra engraving, Abakash carves stories onto palm leaves using fine metal tools. Each line is etched by hand, transforming into intricate compositions.

Kanhu C Behera

ARTIST

Approaching Pattachitra as a narrative art, Kanhu creates compositions that guide the eye through layered scenes from epics, folklore, and lived experience.

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