Ganesha Painting on Khakhra Leaves and Handmade Paper

Nikesh Dabgar and Kuldeepak Soni, have exhibited their artworks of ‘Ganesha’ at Hutheesing centre, CEPT university, Ahmedabad. The artworks will be displayed till September 10.

What amazes us is the medium Dabgar has chosen to paint on, which  is ‘Patrara’ (Khakhra leaves weaved with stick). The Amdavadi artist said, “I have painted Lord Ganesha for quite sometime, and my friend and exhibition designer Giriraj Kadia suggested to choose this medium. It was quite a challenge initially, but once you know the art of choosing the right dried leaves, treating them before painting, choose the Ganesha idol to paint and treating the painted leaves again to assure their life-long safety, you can do this with ease.”

Giriraj Kadia shared that he wanted to involve himself in experimental art work.  The age-old tradition of using Patrara as plates in weddings/cultural ceremonies has almost gone away and value of the color, texture, look of khakhra leaves has to be revived someway.

Kuldeepak Soni has his paintings on a handmade paper and acrylic sheet.

All in all this is an interesting experiment to showcase the beloved ‘Ganesha’ in varied art forms.

Photographs : Aneri Nihalani