Fight Corona Social Message Via Folk Paintings

Lock down has brought out the best qualities in each one of us. With corona virus emergence, many forgotten things are a reality now. Being optimistic, I see a half glass full. Social distancing in this unprecedented times made me grateful for ‘me time’. It has stimulated to review my life more introspectively. It has taught the true meaning of universal spirit. In this world war, the entire world is lined up in unison against a common invisible enemy. It’s unbelievable, yet true. Some of us are missing the freedom of movement .Stress, loneliness, lack of self motivation and boredom of being confined at home has rolled out. Robert H.Schuller rightly said, “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” Amidst, this catastrophe, it is very important to take very good care of yourself and loved ones. However, unprecedented times challenge our strength, resilience and creativity. It is vital to remain disciplined, productive and cheerful. I recall the serenity prayer written by an American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr

God grant me serenity to accept the things, I cannot change

Courage to change the things, I can and wisdom to know the difference.

Never ever give up. This too shall pass. So gear up with your creativity trail.

With painting as my hobby, I decided to do Folk art of Bhilwara(Rajasthan) called PHAD. It is a type of scroll painting which is carried by the priest singers called Bhopas and Bhopis. They unfold the scroll, sing and dance in front of village members narrating the story depicted. The paintings are created on a cotton cloth. The paints applied are natural, made out of stones, flowers, vegetables etc. The typical colour of Phad is yellow, orange, green, blue, red and black. A unique aspect of Phad painting is that the figures face each other (side face)instead of facing the spectator.

The painting depicts the stories of Indian mythology like Ramayana, Mahabharata, Hanuman Chalisa, Panchtantra etc.

In the modern era, the Phad painting is popular all over Rajasthan. People use poster colours or Acrylic colours on a canvas or paper as they are affordable and readily available.

With the help of Phad style, I have made two paintings as Bhilwara is most affected by the Corona virus.

The first painting at topmost displaying as feature image depicts a health worker addressing the people to follow the steps of prevention and not to pay heed to the rumours and superstitions.

This another phad painting depicts steps of prevention from corona virus infection.

1. Hand washing with soap and water for at least 30 seconds.

2. Use of mask when required and throw used mask in dustbin.

3. Social distancing.

4. Visit hospital if you have flu like symptoms

5. Avoid travel and stay at home.

Another Folk art which, I have chosen for painting is Worli. It is a tribal art of Maharashtra. Basic geometric figures, like circle, triangle, line etc. are used. These shapes are symbolic of different elements of nature like the sun, moon, mountain, trees, people etc.

The painting depicts social life along with animals. It is painted white on mud walls showing human figure engaged in the activities like hunting, dancing, sowing, harvesting, marriage etc. The white colour is obtained from grounding rice in to white powder.

One of the central aspects depicted in many Worli paintings is the Tarpa dance. With a trumpet like instrument(Tarpa) men, women and children embrace the hands and move a circle around the Tarpa player.

With modernization Worli art is done on paper, wood, cloth using acrylic and poster colours.

With the help of Worli art style, I have made a painting depicting steps of prevention of corona virus infection.

Regards

Dr.Garima Jain

Working as CMO (NFSG) in ESICMH , Jaipur

(My hobbies are painting, travelling, reading books and writing. Received silver medal in Lokrang, a national level painting competition participated in various painting exhibition short articles  published in magazines like reader’s digest, Bhavan’s journal and Aha zindgiCoauthor in four research paper with Dr. Akhilesh Jain)