Sohrai Artist
manikchand mahto
Jorakath, Jharkhand
Manikchand Mahto, at 33, stands as a third-generation artist, drawing inspiration from the rich artistic heritage passed down by his mother, a master artisan. Unlike formal training, Manikchand’s artistic journey unfolded through keen observation and learning by seeing, a testament to his inherent talent and familial influence. Rooted in the vibrant landscapes of his surroundings, Manikchand finds inspiration in the natural world, channeling its beauty into his art. The nearby mountains, adorned with ancient cave drawings, serve as both muse and guide for his creations. Presently, Manikchand employs his artistic skills on diverse mediums such as wood, paper, and canvas, transcending traditional boundaries to create a body of work that reflects the innate creativity cultivated over generations. His unique approach, born out of nature and familial legacy, paints a vivid narrative of a self-taught artist whose canvases are a tribute to the artistry ingrained in his lineage.
Painting
about craft
Sohrai Paintings, an indigenous mural art found near the Hazaribagh region of Jharkhand, depict beautiful motifs of geometric shapes, animals, flowers, and plants related to nature. This ancient practice involves tribal and local women painting their mud houses using natural colors derived from hematites and clay found in the region. Sohrai paintings are a matriarchal tradition passed down from mothers to daughters and often depict the mother-child bond. The paintings can be seen adorning walls across Birsa Munda Airport, railway stations, flyovers, and government buildings in Jharkhand, and were prominently featured in the decorations for the G20 meeting held in Ranchi in March 2023. The colors used in Sohrai paintings, including red, black, yellow, and white, are natural earth colors obtained from the wild or local merchants. Chewing twigs are used as paint brushes, while cloth rags are used to apply the base coat. Sohrai paintings date back to ancient times and have strong cultural significance, reflecting the deep connection of the tribal communities with nature and their artistic heritage.
Craft Style Followed:
Sohrai Artist
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