Description

Kalyan Joshi (b. 1969) is a Phad artist, who comes from a long lineage of Phad painters dating back to 13th century. He started painting along with his father Shri Shri Lal Joshi, at the tender age of 8 years.

Phad paintings represent a vibrant artistic tradition with a storied history spanning over 700 years. Originating in Rajasthan, India, these colourful scroll paintings have been traditionally crafted by the Joshi community.

Executed on lengthy pieces of cloth, Phad paintings function as portable shrines for the Rabari community. The Bhopas, priest-singers, unroll these scrolls to recount tales of local deities, notably Pabuji, a folk hero, and Devnarayan, an incarnation of Vishnu.

The creation of Phad paintings is a meticulous process reliant on natural resources. Artists utilize natural fibers for the cloth and craft paints from stones, flowers, plants, and herbs. The cloth is then stiffened with a paste made from rice or wheat flour. Characterised by vibrant hues and bold outlines, Phad paintings depict various episodes from the lives of deities, often set against a stark black backdrop. More than mere artworks, Phad paintings represent a living tradition that seamlessly intertwines storytelling, music, and religious expression. These colorful narratives continue to enchant audiences, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Rajasthan.

Through out his career, Kalyan Joshi has explored novel narratives, modern painting styles, and the art of line drawing through experimentation. He won the National Award in 2006 and in 2010. His has showcased his works in numerous group in solo shows in major cites in India and USA, including New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Mumbai, New York, San Francisco.