Indian Folk Art

Archana

Pattachitra · Kalamkari · Madhubani · Gond

Pattachitra

Rooted in the classical Pattachitra tradition of Odisha, these works celebrate intricate craftsmanship, narrative compositions, and devotional ornament — mythology given form through fine linework and layered decorative motifs. Each piece aims to preserve the meditative spirit of an ancient tradition while feeling timeless and at home in modern spaces.

Odisha Pattachitra — Krishna boat scene on black with gold and white detail

Odisha Pattachitra — Navdurga, nine divine forms of the goddess in pink, lavender and gold on canvas

Odisha Pattachitra — six nayika figures in classical dance poses, ink on handmade paper

Odisha Pattachitra — Krishna and gopis on a divine boat, silver and gold on midnight blue canvas

Kalighat

Rooted in the 19th-century Kalighat painting tradition of Bengal, these works celebrate the genre's fluid brushwork, expressive figures, and commentary on devotion and domestic life. The Bibi & Babu series — one of Kalighat's most beloved themes — reinterprets modern relationships and shared moments through bold form, rhythmic drapery, and the folk elegance that makes this tradition so enduring.

Kalighat — Durga Mahishasura Mardini on grey, devotional scene

Kalighat Bibi Babu — couple on an outing, blue sky and peacock bird

Kalighat Bibi Babu — interior scene with mirror, cat and checkered floor

Kalighat Bibi Babu — couple sharing wine, warm saffron interior

Kalamkari

Madhubani · Mata ni Pachadi

Two devotional folk traditions, one devoted practice. Madhubani carries sacred geometry and mythological narrative from Bihar's Mithila walls — the Khobar, a bridal ritual diagram, its most intimate expression. Mata ni Pachadi, Gujarat's tradition of cloth painted in offering to the mother goddess, transforms devotion into ceremonial pattern, dense with colour and life. In both, line becomes prayer.

Madhubani Khobar — intricate geometric mandala in vermilion and black on watercolour paper

Mata ni Pachadi — radiant orange and red circular mandala on handmade paper

Mata ni Pachadi — deep maroon tree of life with deity medallions on mix media paper

Mata ni Pachadi — tree of deities with circular medallions in silver on deep crimson canvas

Phad · Gond · Bengal Pattachitra

Phad Art — Panchamukhi Hanuman five-faced deity in a red diamond circle, mix media paper

Gond Art — set of hand-painted ceramic coasters, each a different creature in vibrant rhythmic pattern

Bengal Pattachitra — mythological tableau in deep crimson, black and white with gold accents on canvas

From the Studio

A glimpse behind every piece

Archana sharing her Navdurga Pattachitra with friends in Seattle