A recipient of several national and international awards and accolades, Phad artist Abhishek Joshi is deeply ingrained in the folk tradition and yet constantly introduces unique elements in his art. Vibezeen catches up with Abhishek, who had participated in the recently-held The Festival of Handmade by A Hundred Hands in Bengaluru.
The tapestry of art forms in Indian history is perhaps the most colorful and expansive in the world. Different eras and reigns are known for the proliferation of varied arts and literature. The 10th century is celebrated as the most prosperous period in the history of the country. It was the age that gave birth to a rich folk tradition called Phad painting. Practiced by “Shahpura Joshi family” in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, Phad is a type of religious scroll painting done on a long piece of canvas. The images depict narratives of mostly Pabuji and Devnarayan, the legendary heroes of Rajasthan.
Travelling Temples of Yore
Known as travelling temples, these paintings were carried by Bhopas and Bhopis, the priest-singers of the Rabari tribe in days of yore. After sunset, the Phad painting would be unfolded and performed for the villagers. While Bhopa (male priest) would narrate the story depicted in the painting, Bhopi (his wife) would put a spotlight on the corresponding section in the painting with a lamp. ‘Ravanhatta’, a two-string instrument, would be used for the performance.
Vibezeen catches up with Abhishek Joshi, an award-winning Phad artist, who participated in the recently-held The Festival of Handmade by A Hundred Hands in Bengaluru. Belongingto the Shahpura Joshi family, he is a recipient of several national and international awards and accolades. What is outstanding about Abhishek is that not only is he deeply ingrained in the folk tradition but also constantly seeks to introduce unique elements in his art.
Abhishek’s Record-breaking Painting
The Glorious History of Mewar State is the biggest painting with natural stone colours on hand made canvas (56 x 5 ft). It finds mention in more than 15 records books, including the Limca Book of Records.
Handmade Canvas & Natural Stone Colors
From scratch to finish, everything is handmade. He explains to us the painstaking process of making the canvas by boiling whole wheat in earlier days and using all-purpose flour in present times. The colours are prepared with mercury mixed natural stones. The mercury stone is crushed for six months on grinding stone.
Exploring Contemporary Themes
Some of his innovative themes that explore beyond the tradition include Fight against Corona, Save Girl Child and The Glorious History of Mewar State.
