Pichhvai ke pichhey: behind the Pichhvais

Abstract

The Project is an attempt to explore beyond the evident. It imparts the knowledge about the utilization of background that gives context to foreground.

The Art form of Picchvai (Painted backdrops of Nathdwara) as a specific technique of Visual communication is chosen as the main research area. It explores the traditions and philosophy associated with it in the context of Nathdwara.

The vast ethnographic work allowed broadening of the context and analyzing various other popular visual and performative traditions of the region viz. Kathputli, Bhopaji ki katha, Ajooba, Nathdwara Studio photography, etc. These traditions primarily use the background to create a sense of darshan (spectacle) for the viewer. It further includes the contemporary mode of communications such as Photography, advertisements, etc.

This knowledge has been imparted to the user through an (Hypermedia) interactive multimedia CD ROM. The Hypermedia format allows the user to seek through the inter‐woven medias so as to get a clear picture of the subject. It allows him/her to understand the complexities and simultaneously apply the learning. Thus, it creates the space for the viewer where at one moment he can be an observer while at another he is a performer.