Tradition in art is like a banyan tree which rarely allows new life to develop.
Arts and culture of any country present a very interesting dynamics of continuity and change, of tradition and innovations, of an ever-renewing dynamics of plurality of beliefs, values, symbolism and perceptions.
Art is a continuum which carries its creative energies in contemporary time and the past and present blend into each other. Paintings, its most beautiful manifestation, have been practiced the most.
Like Nepal, India is also the land of diverse cultures and faiths and has a great tradition in arts and culture. Among the various kinds of art works, the Pata Chitra painting on canvas is a unique contribution of the folk artists of Indian traditional art especially from Orissa state. These paintings have to their credit the aesthetic beauty of the Odissi culture, tradition and the picturesque landscapes.
It is very much similar to the Maithili paintings of Nepal. Maithili art and culture have their own language, rich literary tradition and a women’s tradition of painting and handicraft which has been passed down from generation to generation.
They share a common universality in their use of earth colours, a sober religious iconography and a well-defined linear structure.
Since ancient times, Puri in Orissa has remained the only centre of Pata Chitra paintings, which focused on Lord Jagannath worshipped as Vishnu. Lord Jagannath is depicted as the source of all avataras (incarnations). As these paintings mainly have the images of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra, and Subhadra, it is obvious that the techniques of the Pata paintings originated from the art of painting the trinity.
However, there are remarkable varieties of Pata Chitra paintings. These include Sri Jagannath “Pati”, a painting based on different episodes of Ramayana, Mahabharata and based on Orissa folklores, modes of worshipping the gods and goddesses and erotica Pata Chitra. All paintings bear ample evidence of the keen sensibility and the sharp perceptibility of an artistic mind.
In Pata Chitra painting, the colours used are made from natural ingredients such as china clay, soft clay or chalk, conch shells, red stone, etc. The black colour is obtained from charcoal powder or seashells. These paintings speak the language of its creator. Though it depicts a world of myths and gods, it is still a world of folk imagination, a piece of art.
Australian art
Australia is a culturally diverse society seen nowhere else in the world. Its multi-cultural society includes its indigenous people and shelters others representing more than 140 countries. It is a tolerant and inclusive society. Culturally, diversity has become a touchstone of its national identity.
From street theatres to major opera productions, and from indigenous dot paintings to art online, Australia’s artistic expression is a unique blend of different cultures, new influences and old traditions. There are many cultural activities throughout Australia. Recently, the government introduced new tax arrangements and other initiatives to increase the level of private sector philanthropy to cultural organisations.
Australia’s Artbank acquires works from artists, craftspeople and galleries around the country. It is the largest collection of Australian art for rent, and is constantly growing. Besides this Art indemnity, Australia has an insurance scheme to encourage artists as well as the organisers through which the Australian government carries the financial risk in case of loss or damage to an indemnified work of art.
Japanese architecture
Embassy of Japan in Nepal and Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA) is going to hold an exhibition of “Contemporary Japanese Architecture 1985-1996” at Nepal Art Council Gallery from February 10, 2003.
The exhibition, to be supported by the Japan Foundation, will be open for public from February 11 to February 20.