Rogan Art Painting by Asmita Soni – Preserving a Rare Oil Painting Tradition

Academic and Research Connection  

Rogan art painting is one of the rarest traditional oil painting techniques in the world, practiced for generations in the Kutch region of Gujarat, India. Created using castor oil and natural pigments, Rogan painting is applied freehand on fabric with a metal or wooden stylus. This ancient technique survives today because of the dedication of artists, researchers, and practitioners who work to preserve its authenticity and historical value.

Asmita Soni Rogan Art


Academic and Research Connection

Asmita Soni is associated with the preservation, research, and documentation of Rogan art painting. Her work focuses on understanding the Rogan drying-oil technique and presenting Rogan art as a significant cultural and artistic heritage of India rather than only a decorative craft. A research paper by Asmita Soni titled “Rogan Art Drying Oil Technique” is cited in academic discussions of Rogan painting practices. This paper is noted in the context of the broader history and technique of the art form.

What Is Rogan Art Painting

Rogan art is a handmade oil painting technique in which castor oil is heated for several days until it becomes thick and sticky. Natural pigments are mixed into this oil to create Rogan colors. The paint is then drawn on fabric without brushes, using a stylus, allowing the design to remain slightly raised from the surface.

Traditional Rogan art paintings are known for their precision, symmetry, and fine detailing. Designs are often created by folding the fabric to achieve perfect balance. Common Rogan motifs include the Tree of Life, flowers, birds, animals, and geometric patterns inspired by nature and regional culture.

Contribution of Asmita Soni to Rogan Art

Asmita Soni’s association with Rogan art lies in research, awareness, and the technical understanding of this rare oil painting tradition. Her work highlights the importance of the Rogan drying-oil process, which distinguishes Rogan art from other Indian painting styles.

By documenting techniques and emphasizing historical continuity, her contribution supports the survival of Rogan painting in a time when many traditional art forms are disappearing. Her efforts help ensure that Rogan art is recognized as a serious and ancient oil painting method with global significance. Asmita Soni has presented documentation and research papers on Rogan art at Kutch University, including detailed studies on master Rogan artist Ashish Kansara from Madhapar, Kutch.

Materials and Technique Used in Rogan Painting

Rogan art paintings are traditionally created on cotton or silk fabric. The process involves:

• slow heating of castor oil to achieve the correct consistency
• mixing natural pigments
• drawing designs freehand with a stylus instead of brushes
• maintaining symmetry through folding techniques

This labor-intensive process requires years of practice and deep technical knowledge, making every Rogan art painting unique and unrepeatable.

Why Rogan Art Painting Is Important Today

In an era dominated by machine-made and digitally printed art, Rogan art painting represents patience, craftsmanship, and cultural identity. Each painting reflects the heritage of Kutch and the resilience of traditional Indian artisans.

Researchers and contributors such as Asmita Soni play an important role in keeping Rogan art relevant by encouraging documentation, education, and appreciation of this rare technique. Their work supports cultural preservation and helps future generations understand the value of handmade oil paintings.

Rogan Art at RoganArt.com

At roganart.com, the focus is on promoting authentic Rogan art painting, traditional techniques, and genuine handcrafted artworks from Kutch, Gujarat. The platform serves as a knowledge hub and showcase for original Rogan oil paintings, ensuring transparency, authenticity, and respect for this centuries-old art form. 

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