We start with a quiz question- Identify this art.
After taking a look at the above image, the name of which art comes to your mind?
At first glance, seeing the borders and style, one knows that it is Pattachitra, that is also being spelled as Patachitra. It is an ancient art of Odisha that is linked with the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri.
However, the name of Odisha's exquisite Pattachitra art is being copied and presently, different art is being passed off as "Pattachitra/Patachitra".
Why is the name of West Bengal clubbed with Odisha too when the similar art of their place is called "Pot"/Patua/Potua?
Seeing this attached image of a brand named Shobitam, it is disappointing to see that the artist has copied elements from the Odisha style - borders and traditional designs and motifs.
But, the faces of the figures are like that of "Bengal Pot/Patua" and "Kalighat Pat/Paintings.". These should be called as "Bengal Scroll Paintings" & not Patachitra.
Why is Odisha's style being copied?
Even the tag includes- "West Bengal".
Misrepresentation, misinformation and cultural appropriation has been continuing for the past several years now.
The Bengali Pot/Patua artists must simply used their local style and name of art.
The term Pattachitra must refer only to the art of Odisha- not of West Bengal.
Others must be stopped from using this term. There must be no such blatant copying and such attempts of cultural appropriation.
Why copy Odisha's art name and designs?
This is a clear case of misinforming and misleading the consumers.
Let artists of respective areas be true to their own areas and be "vocal for local".
We had shared this with Hon'ble Union Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal, when he shared about what many have started calling as "Bengal Patachitra". (Earlier it was called Pot or Patua art)
Replies to Shri Goyal's tweet share the reality-
Showcasing an intricate work of music & art, take a look at a Patachitra, ancient folk art of West Bengal.
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) May 27, 2020
Singing a beautiful song while unfurling a vivid painting, the artist has creatively depicted how health workers are taking care of the people during the COVID-19 times. pic.twitter.com/SYedePVYqk
If the wrong information is not replaced with correct info, the real name and the truth will not come to light.
People will keep believing the false info.
Strict enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Geographical Indication (GI) laws is needed. Here is requesting the Ministry of Commerce & Industry & the Textiles Ministry to please ensure that Patachitra is not misrepresented and misused.
Proper explanation and origin must be mentioned, with the rightful tagging.
All producer groups and sellers must take care.
Please connect and support by using - #StopPattachitraMisuse
Looks like there is no love lost. HeHe.
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