The Bougainvillea Art Foundation arranged a workshop in Delhi on August 3, 2024, aimed at preserving and promoting the nation’s traditional arts and bridging the gap between women artists and the art market. The traditional art form of Bihar’s Mithila region served as the workshop’s main focus. Three specialists led the sessions, which covered every facet related to art. Many students from the North Campus of Delhi University participated in the program.
In this instance, Bihar’s Mithila region’s traditional art is being preserved and disseminated across the nation and the globe by Mrs. Alpana Jha, a master artisan. She is a dedicated female artist and entrepreneur. She founded the “Wonder Women SHG” and “Saheli SHG,” is a member of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, a resource person for the National Cooperative Federation of India, and a Training Partner Associate (PTA). She informed the attendees of the facts. One of the most well-known Madhubani artists in the nation is Mrs. Alpana Jha.
She has been awarded many honors for this work. She has received numerous accolades for her efforts.
Participating in this presentation as well, folk artist Archana Pathak traveled all the way from Bihar to educate the audience about the basic elements of Madhubani painting.
In addition, Archana Pathak explained the background of Madhubani painting and asserted that its foundations are profound. Mother Sita is connected to this artwork. Women in Satyayug were taught this craft by Mata Janaki during that period so they may use it to become independent while caring for their families. Despite hardship, the ladies of the Mithila region are preserving these wonderful customs.
Mithila art resides in the soul of every woman in Mithila. Which is also known as Madhubani art. Every lady in Mithila has a piece of Mithila art inside her.
Ms. Deepti Dinsha, the Haryana State Coordinator for the Ministry of Rural Development’s Saras Fair, provided information during this program as well. She described how Saras Melas are arranged nationwide by the Ministry of Rural Development, with a focus on promoting women artists. She also went into great detail with the attendees on the process of assisting women in becoming entrepreneurs through self-help groups. She responded with the questions as well.
The purpose of having this kind of workshop, according to Dr. Kaynat Kazi, head of the Bougainvillea Art Foundation, is to support artists and their work. When we discuss conservation, we must not only maintain the artwork in its original form but also establish a connection between the artist and the consumer. In general, artists from our rural communities are not able to travel to major cities with their work.
The art middlemen give their clients throwaway pricing, which allows them to sell their work at exorbitant prices, leaving the artist barely able to make ends meet. Many such artists around the nation are compelled to give up their artistic endeavors in order to support themselves by working as workers. This workshop has involved three stages of handholding practice. First, facts concerning genuine art forms; second, business connections between art and industry; and third, direct market access for art. In-depth knowledge has been provided by our subject matter specialists so that the younger generation and their mothers can advance their knowledge. This course aims to use art to empower women to become self-sufficient.
A group of young girls sang traditional folk songs, conveying the earthy flavor of the Mithila region to the audience. Their presentation added vitality to the event.
Both artists brought their innovative creations to the workshop. The products offered a wide range of Mithila art, as the products displayed by Alpna Jha were more market-oriented, contemporary, and affordable, whereas the products brought by the folk artist from Mithila, Arpna Pathak, were more traditional, intricate, detailed, and expensive, demonstrating the authentic form of the artwork. The participants had the opportunity to fully experience the artform.
Prashant Ranjan and his associates had the duty of arranging the program. He is a genuine servant of his nation, hailing from Bihar.
