Sisters

Batik has emerged as a rare and exotic art form. Even today, batik is made as it has been made for hundreds of years; by applying a succession of designs in wax, each application resisting a different color dye. This slow process explains why batik works, executed diligently, take so long to complete. Most of these have scraggly lines giving the crackle effect which is so characteristic of batik works.

After a hard day's work, two tribal women stand under a thatched roof to catch on gossip and share confidences. As one of the woman whispers in the ear of the other, they both turn to look towards the object of their discussion. They are both beautiful women with eyes like lotus petals, straight noses and full mouths. Large anklets are in full view due to their knee-length saris. One woman turns her back towards the viewer to display her hair braided in a serpentine plait. Body movement of the women is graceful. The bright colored saris stand out against a somber background. A shading effect has been achieved in the faces of both women, which is easier while painting but an arduous task while dyeing. Similarly, numerous shades of brown have been used in the thatched roof. The figures are placed in such a manner where each can be appreciated individually. They overlap only to lend credence to the gossip theme.

This description by Renu Rana.