BENGALURU: Artisera, an online destination for curated artistic luxury, is hosting a month-long exhibition-cum-sale of Pichwai paintings, starting November 9, at Cinnamon, Gangadhar Chetty Road. The exhibition displays a selection of Pichwai paintings. Pichwai is a style of painting that originated over 400 years ago, in the temple town of Nathdwara. Painted on cloth, it narrates tales from Krishna’s life.
One of the paintings Kamal Talai on display shows Shrinathji (Krishna) enjoying the monsoon amidst a pond blooming with lotuses. Other artpiece Sharad Purnima depicts the night when Krishna performed the legendary cosmic dance Raas Leela with the gopis of Braj. Most of the Pichwai paintings on display are made in the traditional Nathdwara style. A few include miniature and the Deccani style of paintings. One masterpiece that catches the eye is ‘Bhav Mandal’, a fine example of the Deccani style of Pichwai, featuring pasting work done in pure gold.
Creating a pichwai can take several weeks and requires focus on detail, and immense skill. “These art forms are dying, because the younger generation doesn’t want to carry on their family tradition, as it takes a lot of time and effort,” says Varun Backliwal, founder of Artisera.Artisera was started in early 2016 by husband-wife duo Varun Backliwal and Lisa Jain. “We host exhibitions, art appreciation events and shows in different cities, to offer clients a touch and feel experience,” shares Lisa.
What is Pichwai art?
Pichwai art often depict Lord Krishna as Shrinathji. Cows, lotuses, Radha, and other gopis are also common subjects in Pichwais. The word Pichwai comes from ‘pichh’ meaning back, and ‘wai’, meaning textile hanging. They are made by members of Pushti Marg (a sect of Vaishnavites). The paintings form part of the worship in Shrinathji ki Haveli, the temple in Nathdwara, where they are hung behind the deity’s idol to celebrate different seasons, times of day and events in Lord Krishna’s life. Over time, pichwai paintings have also found a place in the homes of art connoisseurs.