What topics does Photo explore?

indian culture, lgbtq+ identity, delhi landscape, social commentary, contemporary art, portraiture”, “same-sex relationships”

Order a hand made painting of Photo - kalighat painting revival

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manik lal das
Photo

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Photo

Watercolor
WallArt
Contemporary Realism
2012
Contemporary
38.0 x 55.0 cm
Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art

Discover Manik Lal Das’ vibrant watercolor depicting a Delhi scene & same-sex relationships through Kalighat painting. A unique Indian art piece – explore its symbolism & beauty!

Manik Lal Das (b. 1962), a contemporary Kalighat painter reviving the traditional Indian art form. Known for vibrant watercolors depicting everyday life, autobiography series & social commentary. Explore his works at OriginalUniqueArt!

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You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the painting with additional hand-painted elements. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

Customize My Artwork + $50

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.
After order, OriginalUniqueArt.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview

Elite Senior Artist (more detail, finesse, and extra production time) + $100

No Artwork Nameplate

Engraved bronze plaque displaying artist name and translated painting title. Size: 9x2 cm. + $9

Transparent acrylic plaque with black UV-engraved artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $28

Black acrylic plaque featuring white engraved text with artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $28

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.

It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.

It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.

The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.

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$ 325

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Elite Senior Artist

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ExclamationCircle For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a ready-to-assemble kit. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.

All solid wood bars are included, precisely cut to size.
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Assembly guide included; setup takes under 10 minutes with a standard screwdriver.

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Tightening the canvas on the assembled frame may require a canvas stretching plier tool, which is not included in the kit. This tool helps ensure proper tension and a professional finish.

Nameplate

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Protective Varnish

Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)

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Customize My Artwork

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.

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Urgent

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (18 August). No compromise on quality.

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Express Shipping

Worldwide Delivery () in 5 weeks. (25 August).

Included

Total Price

$ 325

Quick Facts

Year: 2012
Title: Photo
Medium: Watercolor on paper
Subject or theme: Social interaction, same-sex relationships
Artist: manik lal das

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:

What is the primary art form that manik lal das (kalam patua) is a contemporary exponent of?

Mughal miniature painting

Kalighat painting

Raja Ravi Varma style

Question 2:

What medium is primarily used in the creation of this artwork?

Oil on canvas

Acrylic paint

Watercolor pigments on paper

Question 3:

The subject matter of the painting, featuring two women posing with a backdrop of the Lotus Temple, is noted for making a statement about:

Rural life in West Bengal

Sexuality and same-sex relationships

Historical battles in India

Question 4:

Which element in the artwork symbolizes documentation or capturing a memory?

The stylized mountains

The dog accompanying the figures

The camera held by one of the figures

Question 5:

What aspect of Indian society does Kalam Patua often reflect upon in his art, besides social issues?

Mythological epics

His autobiography and daily life observations

Portraits of royalty

Artwork Description

A Glimpse into Modern Indian Intimacy

This captivating watercolor, titled Photo, transports the viewer into a moment suspended between memory and reality. The scene unfolds with an almost documentary intimacy, featuring two women posed self-consciously for a photograph, framed against the serene, iconic backdrop of New Delhi’s Lotus Temple. Yet, this seemingly simple snapshot transcends mere portraiture; it functions as a profound visual statement. It speaks directly to themes of visibility, acceptance, and the evolving narrative of identity within the cultural tapestry of India, particularly concerning same-sex relationships—a subject matter that Kalam Patua has consistently brought into the vibrant discourse of contemporary Indian art.

The Echoes of Tradition in Contemporary Brushwork

To appreciate this work is to understand the lineage of its creation. The artist, Manik Lal Das, known by his evocative moniker Kalam Patua, stands as a vital custodian and modern exponent of Kalighat painting. Raised within the venerable Patua community of scroll painters and storytellers, his hand carries the weight of centuries of artistic tradition while simultaneously embracing the immediacy of the contemporary moment. His unique style is a masterful confluence: it draws deeply from the narrative conventions of West Bengal scrolls and the meticulous detail found in Indian miniature painting, yet it speaks with the unfiltered voice of an artist grappling with modern social realities. The technique itself—watercolor washes layered upon paper—lends the entire composition a soft, almost breathable quality, allowing the vibrant pigments to breathe against the white ground.

Symbolism and Social Commentary

The elements within the painting are rich with symbolic resonance. Beyond the central figures, the presence of the camera itself acts as a potent symbol—the act of documentation, the freezing of a fleeting moment for posterity. The Lotus Temple in the background anchors the scene geographically while its own symbolism speaks to purity and rebirth. More profoundly, Patua uses his art to engage with the changing nature of Indian society. By centering this depiction on female friendship against such a monumental cultural backdrop, he crafts a dialogue about belonging, visibility, and the right to simply exist openly. It is an artwork that whispers stories of personal truth within the grandeur of public space.

Emotional Resonance for the Modern Collector

For the collector or designer seeking art with soul, this piece offers more than mere decoration; it offers contemplation. The overall emotional impact is one of gentle serenity mixed with a palpable sense of shared intimacy and nostalgia. The slightly flattened perspective, characteristic of traditional Indian painting, paradoxically enhances the dreamlike quality, inviting the viewer to step into the scene rather than merely observe it from a distance. Owning this reproduction allows one to bring home not just a beautiful watercolor, but a piece of living cultural commentary—a vibrant testament to enduring human connection set against the timeless beauty of India.

Artist Biography

early life and background

manik lal das, also known as kalam patua, is a contemporary exponent of kalighat painting, a traditional indian art form. born in 1962 in krishnanagar, india, he was raised within the patua community of scroll painters and storytellers.

artistic contributions and revival of kalighat paintings

self-taught, manik lal das has been credited with the revival of bengal's kalighat paintings, which had declined after the 1930s. his artworks have been exhibited in various museums and galleries, including: * google arts & culture * queensland art gallery * gallery of modern art

notable works and themes

some of his notable works include:

autobiography - local train (38 x 55 cm, queensland art gallery | gallery of modern art, watercolour), capturing the lively characters on a train.
autobiography (40 x 55 cm, queensland art gallery | gallery of modern art, watercolour), depicting the artist as a young boy pointing to an aeroplane in the sky.
photo (38 x 55 cm, queensland art gallery | gallery of modern art, watercolour), showcasing two female friends self-consciously posing for a photo with new delhi's iconic lotus temple behind them.

artistic style and significance

manik lal das' artworks draw on conventions from west bengal scrolls and indian miniature painting, reflecting the beauty and innovation of traditional indian art. his contributions have been featured in articles for the hindu and artdaily. **view more works by manik lal das on OriginalUniqueArt.com:** [https://OriginalUniqueArt.com/@/manik-lal-das](https://OriginalUniqueArt.com/@/manik-lal-das) | 16 artworks **explore the world of kalighat painting and its exponents on OriginalUniqueArt.com:** /en/art/show/art-d3ckt3-en/ | the evolution of art styles: from classical to contemporary

manik lal das

1962 - , India

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Kalighat Painting
Date Of Birth: 1962
Full Name: Manik Lal Das
Nationality: Indian
Notable Artworks:
- Snake Charmer
- Photo
- Post office 3 - The runner with the mail
Place Of Birth: Krishnanagar, India