29Dec
The Fascinating Process of Cheriyal Mask and Doll-Making
Cheriyal, a quaint village in Telangana, is not just known for its historical significance but also for a unique artistic tradition: Cheriyal Mask and Doll-Making.
28Dec
Art From The South: Tholu Bommalata From Andhra Pradesh
As a child, playing with shadows and creating various animal and bird shapes is a universal experience. There is something about shadow art that makes it captivating—perhaps the fact that we are able to see complex beings and objects in simple shapes?
26Dec
Miniature Masters: A Glimpse Into the Life of Nainsukh and the Jasrota Miniatures
Nainsukh: Joy (to) the Eyes was one of the most prominent Pahari Miniature painters of his time and is recognised even today for his immense contribution to this genre of painting. Originally from Guler, his most popular paintings are from his time at Jasrota. His work would go on to significantly influence the Basohli style of painting as well as impact the late stages of the Kangra shaili.
20Dec
Indian Floor Art: The Origins of the Rangoli
Amidst laughter and festivities, bright lights and vivid hues, a child sits next to their mother and takes in the mesmerising process of creating a Rangoli floor painting. The mother, an expert, deftly creates patterns of coloured powder by manipulating it between her forefinger and thumb. Seldom do men gather around a rangoli; the process is traditionally reserved for the wives and daughters of the Hindu household.
19Dec
Tales of a Parrot: Emperor Akbar’s fascination with the Tuti-nama
As a child, many of us heard the story of the thirsty crow. As we grew older, we came across many stories from Aesop’s fables or the Panchatantra. Not only are such stories entertaining, but they often include a moral at the end. Children are fascinated by animal characters behaving in human ways, so these tales make them more receptive to picking up good values.
18Dec
What makes Indian traditional art Indian?
Why doesn’t Indian traditional art use the realistic oil-painting approach, commonly used in international paintings and what are the influences of our great art forms? Since the beginning of time, words have not been enough in communicating ideas, imparting wisdom or depicting tales. As a race, we’ve resorted to a stronger, visual representation of thoughts and data, to try and understand the bizarre world around us, from it’s overwhelming information, to the simplicity of forms, to the nuances of day to day life in this existence, be it of the royalty or the common people, or the animals or the supernatural.
08Dec
Demystifying the Artistic Influences on Bikaner Miniature Painting
Bikaner Miniature Painting: A Historical Fusion of Art Styles With a rich history spanning over 400 years, Bikaner Miniature painting is a unique result of the confluence of Indian and Mughal artistic traditions. Originating as Matheran art in India, it evolved into the distinctive Bikaner art, merging the finesse of Indian craftsmanship with the influence
06Dec
The Book of Gold Visits the Public: Viewing the Kanchana Chitra Ramayana For the First Time
In the midst of preparations for the inauguration of a grand temple dedicated to Lord Rama in Ayodhya, a contentious site with a storied history, the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru unveils a remarkable exhibition—the Kanchana Chitra Ramayana.
05Dec
5 Must-Visit December Art Exhibitions In India
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! In the magical embrace of December, India’s art scene takes on a special glow, resonating with the festive spirit of the season. As the year draws to a close, galleries come alive with exhibitions that not only showcase artistic brilliance but also capture the essence of reflection
04Dec
Art and Freedom: The First Indian Art Exhibition
India won independence in 1947. In the following year, it also held its first ever comprehensive art exhibition. Free India’s first Indian art exhibition took place in the halls of Government House in Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.