Paintings by GAUTAM MUKHERJII
Inspired by a chance remark of an ardent admirer , Gautam was fascinated by the big Bengali wedding . As a young man , he used to make some extra money by adorning the brides in Kolkata. All the detailing in the traditions and rituals. The significance of them .The reason for them . The relevance of them , even today . From the traditional haldi -chandan paste an ointment .Turmeric has an antiseptic property . Sandalwood cools the skin and perfumes it . The bride is rubbed with this paste , to cleanse her skin Also , in contrast to the ugly yellow hue she has, when slathered with this , she glows when it is cleaned off . The oil massage to her hair is also significant . Oil cools you down , calms you . All the pre-wedding jitters are massaged away . And at the same time the hair is beautifully conditioned . The alta on her feet . Attention to every part of her body . Let the feet not be neglected . As she walks barefoot around the holy fire, the feet are focused on and embellished.The rich red colour makes her look healthy , in case she is pale.The henna on her hands . Both as adornment, where the intricate patterns hide significant initials and messages .And also to keep you cool against the heat of the ceremony .Later, in the marital bed, this becomes a game , where the groom tries to find his initial , and the secret message written . A way to bring the couple together . The alpana on her face . Beautiful designs done in rice flour paste , highlighting the eyes , the brows, the cheeks . The flowers entwined in her hair , so that she is naturally perfumed , beguiling to her groom . Once the bride is fully dressed , she steps out shyly , her face hidden by a fan of leaves . Slowly she lowers this fan , to peek at her beloved . Led by the ladies in her family , richly dressed in silks and brocades . Bejewelled to show the family's family status . The groom enters , regally dressed . A young prince , who has been similiarly clad and adorned by his family . His mother putting antimony in his eyes to enhance them , and to ward off the evil eye. And the parents of the groom , enter majestically . They are the honoured guests , who must not be displeased in any way . They too are dressed to show their status . The bride's father has a difficult role . He has to hand over his beloved baby , his doll ,to another man. Seating her on his lap for the last time , he plays his part . Both bride and groom are crowned with richly embellished pith crowns . They are indeed royalty for the day The bridal couple are finally side by side . Together they pour water , purifying the ground around them .Ready to perform the religous ceremony .
Finally they are married,exchanging the significant marital garlands ,accepting each other as spouse. They retire to the marital bedroom , shy , apprehensive. And to help them overcome their nervousness are coy games . Dipping their hands into a bowl of milk to find their rings . Reading the hennaed hands . Each ritual devised to enhance the wedding . Gautam has captured them in exquisite detail . The expressions , the colours , the textures . The paintings have been done with acrylic on canvas and paper , richly embellished in gold . Come , celebrate the big Bengali wedding , SUBH VIVAHA
Show opens Friday 15th September , 06 Continues till 2nd October , 06 Gallery hours 11 am to 7 pm [except Sundays]
