Curator's Note

Our exhibition will take you on a journey through the mythical world of Ramayana, exploring the interplay between good and evil in traditional Bengal folk art. Ramayana is not solely experienced through reading its epic verses; we also feel Ramayana and see Ramayana through the eyes of numerous artists. These artists take stories from this grand epic and put them on canvas or carve them out of stone. Ramayana is rich in several stories that teach us different lessons, These stories first became prominent in the early ages through the tradition of oral poetry. Learned people went around telling stories from the Ramayana, and these stories caught the ears of artisans who interpreted these stories through their art forms. 

Poet Krittibas Ojha introduced Ramayana to the Bengali community through his retelling of this Ancient Epic. The poetic narrative of these tales influenced other forms of art to flourish in Bengal through their interpretations. This is best captured with the Patuas of Bengal, who use stories from the Ramayana in their Patachitra (or scroll paintings). The paintings are unique for their simplicity and sophistication, although they can visually strike the most unaware observer and overwhelm them with their rich narrative. These scrolls showcase an intricate and bright representation of the mighty mythical tales of Ramayana. The visual aspect of these Patachitras is accompanied by the Patuas singing a traditional folk song that narrates the stories these paintings embody. The Kalighat School of Art, which can be traced back to the early 19th Century, is another representation of art that exhibits tales from the Ramayana. The artists who created these paintings primarily included pilgrims who came to visit the sacred Kalighat temple in Calcutta. These folk art practices are gaining massive precedence in the Contemporary world. Understanding and appreciating these practices will help these patuas practice their art form and pass it to the next generation of artists.

The story of Ramayana originated in the Indian subcontinent however, it crossed borders to find new life in other places. Quintessentially, in Thailand, the legend of Ramakien (“the glory of Rama”) is the national epic. One of the most interesting aspects of Ramakien is that it places the most emphasis on the character of Hanuman and showcases his wit and loyalty distinctively. The influence of Ramkien (Ramayana) can be found in various aspects of Thai culture, from its extravagant drama productions to magnificent paintings on the walls of temples. The way both India and Thailand celebrate the stories of Ramayana and Ramkien may differ, however, the significance they hold in both of these cultures is identical. This exhibition will celebrate this significance, which will help bridge differences and propagate unity. 

- Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya