CASTING PHAD IN NEW MOULD

Veering from tradition to carve his own style, Pradip Mukherjee, one of the most famous Phad artists, has won accolades and awards in India and abroad. Subhra Mazumdar celves into the life and art of the acclaimed artist.

- Subhra Mazumdar

Every art aficionado who tracks Phad art would be aware of the impeccable art by Pradip Mukherjee. The artworks of Phad artist Mukherjee is truly an Indian iconic representation. Coupled with his life's journey, his painterly skills, as also the audience reaction and the official recognition of his efforts, this master has grown over the years to become the darling of art connoisseurs, even while being at home with a rustic audience. Also, with an ever burgeoning in-crowd of appreciators, among them several hailing from the royalty and many international experts with a yen to spot genuine talent, this gifted art maker has deservedly won over hearts and minds, both at home and abroad. Known for his unique canvases, on prominent mythological treatises and philosophical texts, that are represented in an iconic Phad art tradition, this artist had, quite early in his career, veered from the strict, inheritance-oriented art practices of folk art, to adopt these techniques, as also the subject content, into a style of his own. Thus it is that despite his core content fashioned in the Phad tradition, he has forged his personal art journey, by casting the same, into a hitherto untried mould.