July 8 – August 9, 2002

Maltwood Art Museum and Gallery

Madhubani painting, also known as Mithila painting, has its origins in the Madubani district of Bihar, northern India. This was traditionally a woman’s ritual art composed of geometrical forms and magico-religious symbols, which were handed down through generations from mother to daughter. Originally painted on mud and dung plastered walls and floors to invoke the blessings of the goddess, or inscribed on bridal chamber walls to endow newly wedded couples with fertility. Madhubani painting today has retained many of its traditional elements, but has also undergone a transformation.

This exhibit is divided into three sections: The first part reveals the skillful and intricate line drawing of the Kayasth tradition. The second shows the colourful work of the Brahmin school, which specializes in depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, and specifically images of the beloved goddesses Kali, Durga, and Gauri. The third group, the Dusadh or Tattoo school, not only derives inspiration from ancient tattoo motifs, but also from Dusadh mythology and rural life.