Copyright © Smita Aloni
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
In India, storytelling is an integral part of our artistic expression and is showcased through various forms such as singing, dancing, sculpting, and painting. India’s diverse folk art forms have been narrating stories through visually stunning representations for generations.
These art forms are deeply rooted in our culture and heritage and have been preserved over the years. Phad painting, originating from Rajasthan, is particularly notable for its rich history, unique origins, and efforts to revive it.
Our traditional and tribal folk paintings pay homage to nature, gods and goddesses, and our cultural traditions. Phad paintings, as one of these folk styles, are an embodiment of India’s artistic talent and cultural richness.
Smita is firm in the belief that every work of art tells a tale, with the artist serving as the storyteller. She adds a personal touch to her Phad paintings, preserving their original form while incorporating her own experiences, observations, and interpretations. By infusing contemporary elements into the traditional Phad style, she keeps it both socially and creatively relevant while preserving its authentic heritage.
SMITA ALONI, born in 1971, grew up in various parts of India, exposing her to the country’s diverse customs and cultures. Later in life, she was taught Phad Painting by her guru Shri Kalyan Joshi and continued her practice after moving to Qatar.
She started teaching art in her home, which expanded into a group of 45 students and annual exhibitions under the name Toolika Creations. After hosting classes, workshops, and exhibitions in Qatar, she relocated to Dubai, where she continues to showcase her work locally and globally.
Awarded for her contribution to Phad in March 2021, Smita was running an art institute for all ages and has set up art departments while working with some schools in Qatar as a Head of the Department.
She has been pushing the envelope to update traditional art forms for contemporary times.
In her work, Smita addresses issues such as women rejecting societal norms through her protagonists. Instead of depicting fair-skinned Phad characters like in traditional paintings, she portrays brown-skinned individuals to bring attention to the issue of racial discrimination and societal preference for lighter skin. The protagonist is imperfect and celebrated for their imperfections.
Smita’s impact on Phad is a result of her personal experiences, growth, travel, and formal training. Her artistic flair and drive for experimentation are evident in her work as she both practices and teaches this traditional art form which would otherwise become obsolete.
In India, storytelling is an integral part of our artistic expression and is showcased through various forms such as singing, dancing, sculpting, and painting. India’s diverse folk art forms have been narrating stories through visually stunning representations for generations.
These art forms are deeply rooted in our culture and heritage and have been preserved over the years. Phad painting, originating from Rajasthan, is particularly notable for its rich history, unique origins, and efforts to revive it.
Our traditional and tribal folk paintings pay homage to nature, gods and goddesses, and our cultural traditions. Phad paintings, as one of these folk styles, are an embodiment of India’s artistic talent and cultural richness.
Smita is firm in the belief that every work of art tells a tale, with the artist serving as the storyteller. She adds a personal touch to her Phad paintings, preserving their original form while incorporating her own experiences, observations, and interpretations. By infusing contemporary elements into the traditional Phad style, she keeps it both socially and creatively relevant while preserving its authentic heritage.
SMITA ALONI, born in 1971, grew up in various parts of India, exposing her to the country’s diverse customs and cultures. Later in life, she was taught Phad Painting by her guru Shri Kalyan Joshi and continued her practice after moving to Qatar.
She started teaching art in her home, which expanded into a group of 45 students and annual exhibitions under the name Toolika Creations. After hosting classes, workshops, and exhibitions in Qatar, she relocated to Dubai, where she continues to showcase her work locally and globally.
Awarded for her contribution to Phad in March 2021, Smita was running an art institute for all ages and has set up art departments while working with some schools in Qatar as a Head of the Department.
She has been pushing the envelope to update traditional art forms for contemporary times.
In her work, Smita addresses issues such as women rejecting societal norms through her protagonists. Instead of depicting fair-skinned Phad characters like in traditional paintings, she portrays brown-skinned individuals to bring attention to the issue of racial discrimination and societal preference for lighter skin. The protagonist is imperfect and celebrated for their imperfections.
Smita’s impact on Phad is a result of her personal experiences, growth, travel, and formal training. Her artistic flair and drive for experimentation are evident in her work as she both practices and teaches this traditional art form which would otherwise become obsolete.
Smita Aloni with her guru Shri Kalyan Joshi
