Ashish Kansara

Ashish Kansara: Preserving Kutch’s 1550-Year-Old Heritage Rogan art painting

Over 1,550 years ago, a mesmerizing art form was born in India. Though unsung during its inception, it found its sanctuary in Madhapar Village, Kutch. Today, this exquisite craft—Rogan Art—is kept alive by the Ashish Kansara family, the last custodians of this dying art.

The origins of Rogan Art trace back to Buddha’s disciples, and its survival is a testament to its cultural and artistic significance.

What Makes Rogan Art by Ashish Kansara Unique?

Rogan Art is named after the meticulously manipulated strings of paint that create intricate patterns on fabric. Unlike traditional painting, where the brush meets the canvas, Rogan Art involves the paint never directly touching the brush or canvas. Instead, the artist guides the malleable paint thread with one hand while a finger from the other hand shapes the design from beneath the fabric.

Each design is a reflection of the artist’s imagination, created without tracing or references. Traditional Kutch motifs, such as the iconic Rogan Art Lehenga and the Tree of Life, dominate the visual language of this art. Figurative motifs are notably absent, making the designs purely abstract and symbolic.

The colors used in Rogan Art are derived from natural extracts mixed with castor oil to create oil-based paints. The palette includes blue, white, green, orange, and yellow, with artists blending shades to suit their designs. Dark-colored fabrics are preferred to amplify the vibrancy of the paints.

Kansara of Kutch

“In the land of Gujarat,
Be proud of the air you breathe.
Stripped of vegetation with a spectacular desert,
Is the land of Kutch you seek!

Travel back to the vibrant past,
Of artisans and legends,
Who knows no religion nor any caste.

Catch a glimpse of them working,
As their art narrates the rich history,
Of Indian culture, now safeguarded by Kansara of Kutch.”

The process of Rogan Art is as poetic as the craft itself. From preparing the paints with castor oil to creating stunning patterns with strings of paint, it exemplifies an artisan’s dedication and creativity.

Meet the Artist – Ashish Kansara

Ashish Kansara, a proud inheritor of this legacy, was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, into a family devoted to Rogan Art. Under the guidance of his grandfather, the renowned master artist Jamnadas Kansara, Ashish honed his skills and reinvented the craft for contemporary audiences.

He has collaborated with designers to produce captivating collections for the Rogan Art Kutch Trust fashion shows. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including:

Craftcentres Winner Award (2019), Craftcentres Fashion Week Participant (2021), Vidisha Craft Award for Artists (2021)

Ashish Kansara’s efforts to empower his community are equally commendable. He has taken the initiative to train 21 women in his village, challenging traditional norms that once barred women from practicing this art.

Preserving a Legacy - Ashish Kansara

Rogan Art is not just a craft; it is a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage. Through the tireless efforts of the Kansara family and the artistry of individuals like Ashish Kansara, this ancient art form continues to thrive.

Let’s celebrate and support Rogan Art—a masterpiece of imagination and dedication—ensuring its legacy lives on for generations to come.