4 September 2024/

CHITPUR CHRONICLES: A JOURNEY THROUGH SACRED IMAGERY

Presented by Management of Art Treasures of India (MATI), the exhibition CHITPUR CHRONICLES: A JOURNEY THROUGH SACRED IMAGERY showcases the oldest and rarest Chitpur lithographs, an intersection of traditional religious art and modern print technology at Naivedyam basement, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi from 6 September 2024 to 30 September 2024 (11 AM – 7 PM).

“Chitpur Lithographs, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, represent a significant moment in India’s artistic evolution. These 100-year-old and rare prints primarily depict Hindu deities and mythological narratives, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Chitpur area of Kolkata. As we commemorate a century since their creation, this exhibition revisits these vibrant prints, exploring their cultural, religious, and artistic significance,” says Siddhartha Tagore, founder of MATI.

The exhibition showcases lithographs from renowned studios like Chore Bagan Art Studio and Kansaripara Art Studio. These artworks are vivid reminders of a time when art, religion and technology merged to shape collective consciousness. Featuring timeless mythological figures such as Abhimanyu and Goddess Saraswati, these prints offer a rare glimpse into a world where devotion and artistry were deeply intertwined.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

During the Indian Renaissance in Bengal, lithography revolutionized image production, making religious art accessible to many. Chitpur in Kolkata became a hub for this printing revolution, attracting artists and a broader audience to meet the growing demand for affordable religious images.

THE DECLINE OF KALIGHAT PAINTING

The rise of Chitpur Lithography marked the decline of Kalighat painting in 19th-century Bengal. Known for its bold outlines and vibrant colors, Kalighat painting was overshadowed by the precision and affordability of lithographs. Many artists transitioned to lithography or abandoned the craft, leading to the decline of this once-flourishing art form.

ARTISTIC SIGNIFICANCE

Chitpur Lithographs are celebrated for their vivid colors, intricate details, and devotional intensity. They depict Hindu deities following traditional iconography while blending Indian art with European printmaking techniques. These lithographs standardized representations of Hindu gods, creating a common visual language that transcended regional and cultural differences.

“The Chitpur Lithographs significantly shaped the visual culture of religious devotion in India. They served not only as objects of worship but also as educational tools, teaching the stories, attributes, and symbolism of various deities to a wide audience. In today’s digital age, these lithographs remind us of the enduring power of visual storytelling and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.

This exhibition invites you to reflect on the enduring legacy of Chitpur Lithographs and their contribution to India’s cultural and artistic heritage,” Siddhartha Tagore added.

MANAGEMENT OF ART TREASURES OF INDIA (MATI)

Founded to collect, preserve, document, and promote artifacts, MATI has focused on building a folk and tribal art archive since 2012. With a comprehensive conservation team, MATI organizes lectures, seminars, workshops, and special courses. Its vast collection includes calendar art, matchboxes, postcards, folk and tribal paintings, sculptures, jewelry, masks, vintage photographs, textiles, and more. MATI also engages in social and charitable work.

SIDDHARTHA TAGORE, FOUNDER-TRUSTEE OF MATI

Mr Siddhartha Tagore founded MATI in 2012. Earlier, he established ‘Art Konsult’ about three decades ago with a vision to promote Indian contemporary art globally. The trust has organized two successful exhibitions, ‘Ganika: In the Visual Culture of the 19th and 20th Centuries’ and ‘Vādya: Folk Tribal and Classical Musical Instruments’ in collaboration with the National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy during the period 2022-24. His enduring objective has always been to broaden perspectives and highlight India’s fading traditional and folk arts.