Padamashree Haku Shah’s The Girl with a Parrot is a fine example of the best of watercolor in a serigraph, achieving a delicate blend of colors that truly mesmerizes. With just four main colors, the variety of shades—from deep greens to soft grays—creates a vibrant richness, giving the impression of fluidity often associated with watercolor paintings. The interplay of color adds to this sweetness, instilling a sense of joy and delight. The artwork feels both intimate and appealing to those looking for an art that embodies warmth and charm. This is not just a serigraph; it’s a technical marvel that reflects his skill and attention to detail. The way the parrots are depicted with subtle lines and varying hues draws you in, while the girl’s face radiates warmth and character, inviting a bond. Each brushstroke is intentional, merging beautifully to create an overall sense of harmony.
This work conveys Madhur Rasa. This is reflected in the harmonious blending of colors and the gentle expressions of the subjects, particularly in the girl’s face. The warm tones and soft brushstrokes create an inviting and tender atmosphere that speaks to affection and beauty. This work has been awarded with National, Printweek, and Fespa.
Created in 2004, this rare large serigraph by Padma Shri Haku Shah, born in 1934, features his renowned Krishna with Cow series. It reflects his deep engagement with the life, culture, and beliefs of pastoral and folk communities, which he vividly expressed in his art. Shah’s deep understanding of his surroundings shaped him into a cultural anthropologist, drawing global attention to the tribal and folk arts of India.
He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fine arts in the 1950s from M. S. University, Baroda, and was a member of the Baroda Group of Artists formed in 1956. His international recognition began in 1967-68 when he spent a year in the U.S. on a grant from the John D. Rockefeller III Fund, co-curating the exhibition “Unknown India: Ritual Art in Tribe and Village” with Stella Kramrisch of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In the years that followed, he curated numerous exhibitions in India and abroad focused on tribal and folk art, rituals, and Indian textiles, co-authoring works like *Rural Craftsmen and Their Work* with Dr. Eberhard Fischer in 1970.
Shah’s anthropological pursuits influenced his artistry, leading him to revisit tribal art forms and folk themes, often featuring cows, trees, and human figures with quiet intensity. He also explored the poetry of medieval poet-saints like Kabir, Mirabai, and Rai Das in his paintings. In 1989, he received the Padma Shri award and established Shilpa Gram in Udaipur to revive traditional arts and crafts. He passed away on March 21, 2019, in Ahmedabad. This work reflects Haku Shah’s signature style. The gentle interactions between Krishna and the cow further evoke a sense of love and devotion, illustrating the Sakhya Rasa, representing friendship and camaraderie.
Photos and Text © Chaitya Dhanvi Shah
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