Almond-eyed mythological figures with hair thin detailing, splashed with bold organic colours forms part of artist Navita Jha's series of 'Mithila paintings' being exhibited here.
"I have been making these painting since the age of 10. Fascinated by mythological stories especially that of Radha and Krishna, Shiva and Parvati and also Ram and Sita, I paint with my imagination," says the artist who hails from a village in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district.
The exhibition was inaugurated at the Muktadhara Art Gallery here last week by Bhaskar Khulbe, Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Resident Commissioner, West Bengal.
The event is an initiative by the West Bengal government to promote various folk art forms and handicrafts works of rural artists and artisans from that state.
She says she learnt the art of Madhubhani painting from her mother Baua Devi who has won a national award.
Made on khadi paper and polished with Gobar (cow dung) to ensure longevity, the paintings typically feature Gods and Goddesses, wedding scenes, animals, and various flora and fauna.
"We basically use twigs to make detailed outlines, but ink-pen nibs are better for this purpose as they are metallic and hence consistent," says the 40 year-old artist.
