Ancient Intellectual Indian Rogan Art by Ashish Kansara

Introduction

In the quaint village of Madhapar, Bhuj, Gujarat, a centuries-old artistic tradition continues to thrive through the dedicated work of Ashish Kansara. Known for his expertise in Rogan art, Kansara is a pivotal figure in preserving and revitalizing this ancient Indian craft. This blog delves into the essence of Rogan art, explores Kansara’s journey, and highlights his unique contributions to this timeless art form.

The Legacy of Rogan Art

Rogan art, a traditional form of textile painting from Kutch, Gujarat, boasts a rich history of over 1600 years. Characterized by its use of vivid, natural dyes and a distinctive application technique, Rogan art is renowned for its elaborate patterns and vibrant colors. The process involves using castor oil-based paint applied with a stylus, creating intricate designs that often feature motifs from nature and geometric patterns.

Ashish Kansara: A Modern Custodian of Rogan Art

Ashish Kansara, born in 1975 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has played a significant role in reviving and transforming Rogan art. His journey began with an inspired moment listening to an All India Radio interview about Rogan art, which ignited his passion for this ancient craft. Despite only completing his 9th grade at Meghdoot Vidya Vihar Gujarati Medium School, Kansara’s dedication led him to leave school and pursue Rogan art full-time.

Training and Early Career

Kansara trained under Ashok Bhai Valjibhai from Patan, Gujarat, and began his professional journey in Rogan art at the age of 19. Initially, his work focused on traditional garments like lehengas and saris, essential for the Bharavad and Rabari communities. However, the devastating 2001 Kachchh earthquake disrupted the demand for these traditional items, prompting Kansara to take a hiatus.

Revival and Innovation

In the years following, Kansara re-embraced Rogan art, expanding his repertoire beyond traditional textiles. He began creating a diverse range of products, including home decor, wall pieces, dresses, wallets, kurtas, and blouses. This diversification helped to sustain and grow the craft, bringing Rogan art into modern contexts while preserving its traditional roots.

Rogan Silk Painting

One of the notable aspects of Kansara’s work is his specialization in Rogan silk painting. His portfolio includes portraits of deities such as Shri Rama, Shri Swaminarayan, Ganesh, Shiva Parvati, Radha Krishna, Shri Jagannath, and Hanuman. Among his most celebrated pieces is a depiction of Tirupati Balaji. Kansara has also created works for the Muslim community, including paintings of the Kaaba, and for the Jain community, featuring Shri Mahavir.

Rogan Chhap: A Unique Print Technique

In addition to painting, Kansara practices Rogan Chhap, a print technique that involves using brass molds (Biba) to imprint designs onto fabric. This process, which involves filling the mold with Rogan paste and applying pressure to transfer the design, is a rare and traditional method that adds a distinctive touch to Rogan art prints.

Creating Rogan Painting Paste

The Rogan painting paste is made by boiling linseed or castor oil for several hours until it thickens. Pigment colors and chowk powder are then added to create the paste used in painting. This paste is applied to dark-colored fabrics to ensure the colors stand out vividly. Artists use metal blocks with carved patterns or freehand techniques to create elaborate designs, often folding the fabric to mirror half of the design

Personal Life and Community Impact

Kansara resides in Madhapar, Kutch, where he continues to practice and promote Rogan art. His wife, Komal Kansara, is also a Rogan artist, having learned the craft after their marriage. Together, they have trained a group of 130 women in Rogan art, creating opportunities for local artisans and contributing to the craft’s preservation.

Conclusion

Ashish Kansara’s dedication to Rogan art exemplifies the intersection of tradition and modernity. Through his innovative approach and commitment to preserving the ancient techniques of Rogan painting, Kansara ensures that this beautiful art form continues to thrive. His work not only celebrates Gujarat’s rich artistic heritage but also introduces Rogan art to a global audience, ensuring its continued relevance and appreciation.

References

1. “કચ્છની ભા તી ગળ રો ગા ન કળા ના કલા કા ર આશિ ષ કંસા રા સા થે સુરેશ બિ જલા ણી ની વા તચી ત”. All India Radio.
2. “રો ગન ક્લા નો દેસ વિ દેશ મા ડંકો”. VTV Gujarati News and Beyond.
3. “चुना व के बी च कच्छ में देखि ए रो गन आर्ट की कला | Rogan painting”. News18.
4. “Kutch: દેવી -દેવતા ના એવા ચિ ત્રો તમે ક્યા રેય નહીં જોયા હો ય!”. News18.
5. “Artists doing rare Rogan Art in Gujarat’s Kutch”. Odisha Tv.