Staying relevant & finding new niche

Ganga Devi is a name not many of us would quickly recall. She is the everyday artiste creating work of art from everyday life. Art that touches us, and stirs us. Stimulates us and makes us look for more. One of the most cherished Madhubani art exponent, her early life was of the rural upbringing in Mithila. She was not trained formally, but she did learn to paint at an early age using local material and making ink with soot and gum as the other painting equipment were beyond her affordability. She slowly learnt Madhubani art and became one of the foremost exponents.

The point here is not about her ability to create Madhubani art - many artistes have been doing that. She was special because she did not just do the Ramayana series. When she got her first chance to travel, she reinvented her art form. That was her greatness, her ability to remain relevant while not losing her core strength - the art!

Ramayana Painting – Killing of Ravana

Her work during the latter half of her life is subtle, smart and sharp. She is credited with making Madhubani art popular outside of India. Some of her creations during the stint outside are remarkable for their color, texture and design elements while retaining the traditional form. Ride in a roller coaster (right on top there in the article) is one illustration of her mesmerizing abilities.

Ganga Devi redefined, invented the art; and the traditional art found expression with new audience while continuing to retain core values, and skills that applied in contemporaneous world! She was awarded the 4th highest civilian award, Padma Shri, in 1984. Some of her radiant work found expression when she underwent Chemotherapy in New Delhi as she battled cancer, and eventually succumbed to it.

But her art did not succumb to mediocrity. As she learnt, her art grew in stature. Coming from a remote rural area, she did envision a canvas that is a dream-like image imprinted on sands of time!

Relevance and continuing to find new niche - isn't that the way to remain rooted, and yet be the itinerant souls we all are capable of being!