Studio ArtBole

18/07/2024

**Busting the Myths and Lies about Mithila Painting:**

The claim that Bhashkar Kulkarni introduced paper as a medium to Mithila artists is one of the biggest myths. Here are the facts to debunk this and other misconceptions:

1. **Sindur Kaagaz/Puriya:**
- **Fact:** Sindur Kaagaz/Puriya is a traditional Mithila painting on paper, used in marriage rituals where vermilion is wrapped. Artists paint four Naina-Jogin for the four corners of the Kohbar room. One such Naina Jogin on paper was collected by William G. Archer, which was later auctioned. This was done long before Kulkarni was even born.

2. **Historical Roots:**
- **Fact:** It is often claimed that Mithila Painting dates back to the Ramayan period. While this is plausible, it's not definitively proven. However, elements of primitive cave art and designs similar to those found on Indus Valley pottery are evident in old wall paintings and low relief murals of Mithila.

3. **Caste and Influence:**
- **Fact:** Historians often highlight the caste divide in Mithila painting, but there are significant overlaps. Godna tattoos, low relief murals, and Brahman and Kayasth paintings share similar elements and influences. This mutual flourishing is evident. For instance, Sita Devi (Brahman) supported Urmila Devi (Paswan/Dalit), and Karpoori Devi (Kayasth) taught Dulari Devi (Mallah/Dalit). These Dalit women have acknowledged this in various video and text interviews.

22/12/2023

Please Note !
Workshop at SKV/KAS was not confirmed and finally has been cancelled. I ask to students not to register for my workshop until I post confirmation about it next time. Thank you. 🌸

22/04/2021

OUR ONLINE STORE

Avinash Karn is a Madhubani/Mithila artist working with his own developed individual style emerged as a contemporary style of Madhubani art especially expressing the socio-political and cultural subjects relevant to be displayed in contemporary art exhibitions as well as other public and private spa...

22/04/2021

Google Map that guides you through the actual way to the studio AKSA

Art center · near Brahmsthan

22/04/2021

We are delighted to introduce 'Aksa', an Artreach Community Arts Project led by artist Avinash Karn (January 2021 onwards). Based in Ranti Village in Bihar's Madhubani district, Aksa engages with young people from both Muslim and low caste communities, creating a space of creative learning and open dialogue at Avinash's local studio.

Through regular workshops, participants will learn from Madhubani artists of the region, draw, paint and create collaborative artworks with a consistent focus on secularism and the writings of mystic poets such as Kabir and Lal Ded.

We look forward to this new beginning, with participants Sameema Parween, Sajiya Bushra, Rehmati Khatoon, Saleha, Sapna Sah and Rekha Paswan and wish Avinash Karn all the very best towards this project!

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