Artist Chandrapal Panjre was raised in rural India and revitalises an age-old custom by using his style of expression, the Katha creating. Katha-making, a generation-spanning craft rooted in the ageless essence of rural living, repurposes discarded items like kurtas, sarees, blankets, scarves, and dhotis by the careful use of needle and thread, weaving it into the fabric of everyday life.
Katha is more than simply a blanket; she transforms into a physical representation of rural stories that captures the ease, grace, and culture of the countryside. Strongly rooted in this heritage, Panjre skillfully captures the spirit of country living in his artwork. His woven materials convey the unsaid tales of the towns, showcasing the natural beauty, hardships, and joys that come with living in a rural area. On the canvas of his Katha, every stitch is transformed into a brushstroke, weaving a magnificent tapestry that tells the complex stories of rural philosophy. Panjre’s artwork celebrates the ultimate truth found in the simplicity of rural life and is a philosophy of simplicity. His artwork’s rough lines evoke the emotional imprints of past events and memories in addition to depicting the physical wear and tear of time.
Panjre’s creative process reflects his own development. He lets the threads and needles lead him naturally, not thinking ahead. His art becomes a reflection of life’s journey in this unplanned dance of creation, flowing fluidly from one location and time to the next. He not only preserves a traditional art form but also builds a bridge between the past and the present by using the age-old craft of Katha making. He invites viewers to go on a visual journey through the authenticity, simplicity, and profound truths he so passionately portrays in rural landscapes.
Feature Image: Untitled- 49 by Chandrapal Panjre | Courtesy: Abir Space
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Iftikar Ahmed is a New Delhi-based art writer, researcher and curator.
