When someone talks about the folk art forms of India, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bengal, and Bihar are the states that are most talked about. However, while Goa has a thriving tourism industry, the arts and crafts of Goa are never talked about.
Similar to the Alponas of Bengal and the Aipans of Kumaon, a unique floor art form exists in Kerala. Most Indian floor art forms often form a part of the daily lives and rituals of various communities, and Kalamezhuthu is no different.
India is a country rich in artistic legacy, with many different traditional art forms, each with its own expression and background. Among these, Molela Terracotta handicrafts have drawn both national and international attention due to their intricate designs and sacred meanings. In this blog, we delve into the fascinating world of Molela Terracotta, exploring its origins, symbolism, and the artists behind this time-honoured craft.
Two of the most celebrated styles in South Indian art are Tanjore and Mysore paintings. Both offer distinct visual aesthetics and cultural narratives.
Picture this: You’re at a lavishly decorated venue where a wedding is being held. You walk in and are dazzled by a gigantic, sprawling design created on the floor of the entrance. Flowers, glitter, acrylic paint, and other contemporary mediums are used to create semi-permanent floor decor- and this is very popular in India.
Teep, Bottus, Bindis, Tiklis—whatever you call them—you must be familiar with the dot-shaped facial decoration that Indian women flaunt on their foreheads. Did you know that these dots were the origin of an intricate and detailed art form? We’re talking about the uniquely Indian Tikuli art, of course! The process of making tiklis led to the creation of this woman-centric folk art form.
You may have heard of the Kota-Bundi School of Miniature Painting, but you may also have heard of Kota and Bundi paintings separately. So are they the same? Or are there noticeable differences? Actually, Kota paintings are an offshoot of the Bundi school. They are different in quite significant ways, and this is why, while earlier paintings may be called Kota-Bundi, the miniatures of later periods are referred to as either one or the other.
Indian Miniature paintings are as varied in style and subject matter as they are intricate. Different schools of painting developed different styles and methods. The elaborate floral depictions of Mughal miniatures are different from the delicate portrayals of women in the Kangra School. Similarly, Bundi paintings are known for their depictions of lush vegetation, court and hunting scenes, and lovers.
As a kid, you might have dreamed of becoming an artist when you grew up. But if you ever told your relatives you wanted to study art, you would get the response, ‘Beta, you’ll starve. Following your dreams isn’t that easy’. Art is no longer a dreamer’s profession, but not anymore. Now artists know that they need to turn passion into profit. Mere ‘appreciation’ and ‘exposure’ as payment doesn’t satisfy them. The demand for Indian art has increased, and so has the value of Indian artwork.
India is a land of diversity, replete with multi-cultural communities, rich customs, and elaborate traditions. Almost every community came to express its unique perceptions and rituals through visual art forms. Through the passage of time, society developed, and factors such as religion, geography, politics, economic conditions, and social norms all moulded the communal perceptions of art. This led to the development of many Indian folk and tribal art forms, each with distinct styles, motifs, and legacies.
