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The Rogan Painting Renaissance: A Craft Worth Preserving

Day after day, we go through the motions
Like waves searching for shore in the middle of the ocean..”

For over 400 years, national award winner Abdul Gafur Khatri and his family have dedicated themselves to creating exquisite patterns on bridal trousseaus, canvases, bedsheets, and cushion covers with equal finesse.

In a world dominated by mass-produced goods, art forms like Rogan, practiced by generations of artists like Khatri, stand as a testament to human creativity and cultural heritage.

Origins of Rogan Painting

Rogan painting took shape in Nirona, in the Kutch region of Gujarat, India, over four centuries ago. This ancient art form finds its roots in the unique technique of making Rogan, a thick paste derived from castor oil. Skilled practitioners of the art form meticulously handcraft intricate designs using a metal stylus and vibrant pigments.

Rogan painting demands not only artistic flair but also a deep understanding of the chemical properties of castor oil and pigments. The artisans mix castor oil with natural pigments to create Rogan that maintains its vibrancy for generations.

The tedious art form gained such popularity for its uniqueness that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented the then-US President Barack Obama with a "Tree of Life" Rogan painting during his visit to the US in September 2014.

The Rogan Art Process

  • The initial step involves extracting oil from castor seeds by simmering the seeds intermittently for 12-14 hours, stretched across two days. They then combine the heated castor oil with cold water to produce a thickened, slimy substance that we now know as Rogan.
  • Once the Rogan is produced, it is mixed with paints of various colors and water using a traditional pestle.
  • Typically, a dark-colored fabric forms the base for the artwork. The artist takes a portion of the paint and coils it in their palm using a "kalam" (a six-inch iron stick), ensuring it reaches the desired consistency. The warmth from the palm softens the dense paint, allowing the artist to shape it into a thread.
  • By gently maneuvering the rod above the fabric as fine lines, the artist applies the paint onto the fabric, producing intricate patterns that tell tales of culture, folklore, and spirituality.

A Dying Art Form

In recent decades, Rogan painting has faced the threat of extinction. As modernization sweeps through communities, younger generations are increasingly drawn to more lucrative and accessible professions, leaving Rogan in peril. The knowledge and skills required to create these mesmerizing patterns risk fading into obscurity.

In an interview with Outlook Traveller India, Rogan pioneer Abdul Gafur Khatri stated Rogan requires high concentration, dedication, and patience–each of which poses a pressing threat to its sustenance. Gafur also shared how the number of Nirona families practicing Rogan declined over the years because of orthodox requirements and low-income opportunities, making it difficult to pursue it as a full-time profession.

The Impact of Save Dying Arts

At Save Dying Arts, we dedicate our efforts to reviving forgotten art forms and communities by providing them with a global platform. Through this forum, we give Rogan artisans a digital storefront to showcase their exquisite creations to a worldwide audience. Our purpose is to provide the artisans with a sustainable source of income while restoring their purpose in the craft.

As artisans find renewed interest in their craft, communities are reinvigorated, and a sense of cultural pride is restored. Through initiatives like artisan workshops and educational programs hosted by Save Dying Arts, the legacy of Rogan painting can be passed onto future generations, ensuring its survival.

A Future for Rogan Painting

The journey of Rogan's painting from the secluded streets of Nirona to the global stage is a testament to the power of preservation. Abdul Gafur Khatri has set out to revive the art form by taking his art online since the pandemic. Save Dying Arts is a nod in that direction to not only protect this dying art form but also celebrate the cultural richness it represents.

Join us in this artistic renaissance to breathe new life into a craft that has stood the test of time.

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To know more about our adventures, say hello to us at hello@savedyingarts.com