Long before paper made its way to southern India, artists were using engraving techniques to create art on palm leaves. These palm leaf manuscripts of the past tell many local stories in innovative ways. Manuscript making was quite popular in Odisha, which is where the āRomance of Chandrabhanu and Lavanyavatiā originates from.
Indian paintings are a kaleidoscope of stories, colors, and symbolism. Amidst the vibrant strokes and intricate details, one motif that boldly stands out is the image of a cat devouring a fish. This article takes you through an exploration of the symbolism of this intriguing motif.
Animal fables take us back to our childhood- a utopia of wax crayons, tinkle comics, and Parle-G. Who can forget reading about Aesopās fables and the Panchatantra? Animal fables are an excellent device to teach children about morality and the concepts of right and wrong. As such, they have been used for millennia to break down ethical concepts into simple, bite-sized pieces.
The vibrant city of New Delhi played host to a spectacular showcase of artistic brilliance at the India Art Fair 2024, and Team Rooftop was there to witness the magic unfold. As we navigated through the myriad of exhibits and galleries, it was heartening to see the traditional art forms take centre stage, preserving the rich cultural tapestry that defines India’s artistic heritage.
Mural painting is one of the earliest forms of painting. Murals refer to paintings created directly on walls or similar large, permanent surfaces. Out of the murals and frescoes found in India, the mural paintings of Kerala are known for their beauty and unique stylistic approach. Letās learn about Kerala Mural painting by taking a look at its history, style, and painting process.
A distinct school of painting flourished and evolved in the plateau region of southern India, somewhere beyond the Vindhya mountain range, under several Sultans of the Deccan region in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This unique synthesis of art and cultural elements culminated in the creation of the unique style of Deccan Miniature painting.
Folk art holds a unique place in the world of art. Its transformative power can shape artistic narratives and completely change the course of an artistās life. While fine art has its merits, it is not hard to see why people often find folk art to be more reflective of human emotion and more authentic to the artistsās lived experiences.
Rajasthan has been the source of many interesting artistic traditions. Be it Phad, Arayash fresco making or Miniature painting, the Home of the Kings has been the birthplace of many different styles and techniques. From this regal region comes another folk art tradition that is not very well known. The technique of building and painting portable shrines or prayer boxes is known as Kavad art.
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.
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 captivatingāperhaps the fact that we are able to see complex beings and objects in simple shapes?
