Preview

The Sacred Aesthetics: An exhibition showcasing Phad & Pichhwai Artworks of Rajasthan

Published by
Patriot Bureau

An exhibition titled ‘The Sacred Aesthetics’, showcasing Phad and Pichhwai paintings of Rajasthan by artists Prakash Joshi and Mukut Joshi, is currently underway at Bikaner House and will continue till March 23.

The exhibition brings together 28 works—15 Phad paintings and 13 Pichhwai compositions—offering a comprehensive view of two of the region’s most significant artistic traditions.

Phad paintings, traditionally created as large narrative scrolls for itinerant priest-performers, are represented through the works of Prakash Joshi, a noted artist from the Joshi lineage. These works foreground storytelling, ritual and community engagement, reflecting the historical role of Phad as a performative and devotional medium.

In contrast, Mukut Joshi’s Pichhwai paintings draw on a more intricate and devotional visual language, centred on themes associated with temple traditions. Known for their detailed iconography and ornamental richness, these works emphasise individual spiritual experience and a refined aesthetic sensibility.

Together, the two forms highlight distinct yet complementary approaches to sacred art—one rooted in narrative and collective participation, the other in contemplative devotion. Their presentation within a contemporary gallery setting also situates them as both ritual objects and works of fine art, reflecting their evolving place in today’s cultural landscape.

Speaking about the exhibition, Rooftop CEO Kartik Gaggar said the initiative seeks to bring India’s artistic heritage closer to wider audiences while highlighting the continuing relevance of traditional practices.

The exhibition follows Rooftop’s earlier initiatives, including Indiyart’s 2024 showcase Viral Gaatha, which explored tribal art forms through contemporary formats.

Also Read: Pancha-Tattva: Reconnecting with material through art, design and architecture

Prakash Joshi has received several honours, including the National Award (President’s Award) in 2009 and the Kala Mani Award in 2010, with his works held in major institutional collections across India. Mukut Joshi, a recipient of the State Award (2010) and District Award (2007), continues to reinterpret the Pichhwai tradition through a contemporary lens.

When: Untill March 23; 11 AM to 7 PM

Where: The Main Art Gallery, Bikaner House, New Delhi

Patriot Bureau

Published by
Patriot Bureau
Tags: delhi

Recent Posts

Central locking, iron grills, single staircase turn fatal in Delhi residential building fire

Central locking systems, iron grills, and a single staircase trapped residents as a suspected AC…

May 3, 2026

Five places to swim in Delhi this summer

From professional lanes to neighbourhood pools, South Delhi offers varied swimming spots that combine accessibility,…

May 3, 2026

Deeply shocked: Court raps Delhi Police for arresting murder accused from Bihar without transit remand

Court flags procedural lapses, questions failure to obtain transit remand; calls one arrest “prima facie…

May 3, 2026

Delhi Police busts fake trading app scam; bank official among 3 held

Delhi Police busts fake trading app scam that duped a retired officer of over Rs…

May 3, 2026

Delhi to adopt fully digital system for time bound traffic challan disposal

Delhi government plans to digitise and time-limit traffic challan disposal under amended rules, mandating online…

May 3, 2026

‘Wild, Ordinary, Enchanting, Excruciating Beauty’: a group art exhibition

A group show at Thapar Contemporary brings together eleven artists to explore how personal anxieties…

May 3, 2026