Pattachitra on Nails, Mobile Phone Covers

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Nov 1:

The traditional art of Odisha—Pattachitra– is slowly gaining popularity among masses. Gone are the days when the art was made on palm leaves and Tussar silk sarees only. Pattachitra is now being created on apparel, home décor and even nails!

The Odia twitterati is buzzing with pictures of Pattachitra as a form of nail art. With its miniature and vibrant look, this traditional art form is nothing short of chic and stylish.

Ramuli Pattnaik, the founder of Ramuli Creations reasons, “I want to make Pattachitra a style statement. It is one of the finest forms of the art. I have an award-winning artist who paints the nails. Plus, I want to experiment Pattachitra on different fabrics like georgette and embroidery such as Zardosi and Gottapatti for a gorgeous appeal on sarees and kurtas.”

Now, one can customize mobile phone back panels with this art as well. Professionals trained at a Pattachitra workshop in Gandamunda on the outskirts of Odisha capital, have tried their hand at painting on mobile phone back covers and the result is nothing short of fashionable.

Home décor is also being conquered by this art form as lamp shades, bookmarkers, coloured bottles, pen stands, and so on… are being designed and coated with colourful imagery.

The name Pattachitra has been derived from Sanskrit words ‘Patta’ meaning canvas and ‘Chitra’ meaning picture. It is marked by rich multihued application, artistic motifs and designs and the portrayal of simple themes, mostly mythological in illustration.