Exhibition on traditional masks of West Bengal attracts art lovers

A defining feature of Kolkata is its love for art. In many other cities, visiting an art exhibition wouldn’t be the most popular choice for a Friday evening. But not for Kolkatans.

Gaganendra Shilpa Pradarshashala was packed with art enthusiasts on April 8, as director Goutam Ghose inaugurated Sharmi’s Art Beyond Tradition, an exhibition on the masks of West Bengal. The exhibition is open from 2pm to 8pm, till April 10.

(L-R) Filmmaker Goutam Ghose, former Nandan CEO Yadab Mondal, Justice Soumen Sen and dancer Alokananda Roy at the inauguration ceremony

Amit Datta

The brainchild of cartoonist, painter and singer Sharmila Sen, Art Beyond Tradition has been her baby since 2010, with this being the 10th edition of the show. “I was a painter and cartoonist since childhood, so the artistic inclination was always there. Back in 2006, I decorated my house in Kasba with art obtained from Milan Mela and found interest in creating such artwork. That’s when my journey with masks started,” she said.

This year’s exhibition is even more special for her, being the first one after a two-year, pandemic-induced hiatus.

The exhibition has 82 wooden masks that blend different styles like traditional, tribal, contemporary and African, prepared by 15 artisans from South Dinajpur. Apart from this, there are five chhau masks which were made in Purulia.

This mask, titled ‘Nature’, is one of Sharmila Sen’s personal favourites

Amit Datta

“I would sketch the designs for all these masks and send them to the artisans. I was very particular about how the eyes and lips should look — since they keep the entire mask together. For the chhau masks of Durga, I went for a more pointed chin in place of the traditional flat one to give people a more contemporary style. The artisans prepare the basic structure and come to my house with it, where we hold workshops and apply the finishing touches,” said Sharmila, adding that it is the magic in the artisan’s hands that brings her designs to life.

Sharmila Sen guides Goutam Ghose through the show

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The wooden masks are prepared without any added colours. Sharmila emphasises on how each kaath is locally sourced and seasoned for six months to ensure the highest quality and make the item sturdy and stretch-proof.

“People don’t realise how time consuming this process is. Each mask takes a minimum of 30 days to complete and the masks you see on display here have cumulatively taken us one-and-a-half years of hard work,” she said.

One of the most striking masks replicates the facial features of Vishvamitra, while depicting stories from the Ramayana. Similarly, a mask of Bhishma is adorned with stories from the Mahabharata.

Vishvamitra’s mask depicts prominent events from the Ramayana

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Ghose, who has been a regular patron of Art Beyond Tradition, was all praise for the work. “I’m really impressed by the artisans of Dakshin Dinajpur, and particularly the way they have told the story of Mahabharata through a mask. The designs, of course, are Sharmila’s forte. I feel it is important to support this art form, otherwise the next generation of artisans will not stay in this field,” he said.

The exhibition also displayed handpainted patachitra artwork on shells

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Dancer Alokananda Roy was also present. “Although I'm a classical dancer, every artform starts with folk art. The masks are so beautiful that I wish I could trade them with the terrible ones we have worn during the pandemic,” she laughed.

Alokananda Roy admires the exhibits

Amit Datta

The masks are available for purchase, with the smaller ones ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 4,500, and the larger ones from Rs 17,000 to Rs 21,000.