Magpies of Kalighat

This woodcut print has been made from a single block of wood using the reduction method, which means both the colours (black and red) have been printed from a single block one after the other with the process of wood-carving separating the two stages.

THE STORY

Working from my studio in Kalighat (an old part of Calcutta famous for the ancient Kali Temple), I decided to merge my magpie-fascination with the inspiration I soak in from this neighbourhood, daily. This took the form of the blood-red hibiscus, the preferred flower of Goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil, and found in abundance all along the streets of Kalighat.