Kalyan Joshi, born in 1969, carries on a 13th-century legacy as a master Phad painter, honing his craft since age eight under his father, Shri Shri Lal Joshi. A recipient of National Awards in 2006 and 2010, Kalyan pushes the boundaries of this traditional art form through contemporary stories and innovative line work. As founder of the Ankan Artist Group, he actively champions Phad painting's future, regularly sharing his expertise in workshops across India.
Phad painting is a traditional folk art form from Rajasthan, India, characterized by its long, scroll-like paintings on cloth. These vibrant narratives typically depict the heroic deeds of local deities and historical figures, often accompanied by live musical performances. The paintings are rich in detail, vivid colors, and intricate patterns, created using natural pigments. Phad art is not just a visual spectacle but a storytelling tradition, passed down through generations within specific families, making each brushstroke a part of a living cultural heritage.
