Making Folk Art for Everybody

Why do ancient art and craft forms become extinct over time? Is there a way to revive the dying arts? Stumbling onto these questions during Comic Con, an event, which is dedicated to expanding India’s popular culture, SCD Balaji decided to go looking for the answers.

Through Indian Folk Art 365, Balaji, founder of Atma Studios, Coimbatore, has decided to involve people from all walks of life by introducing them to some of the ancient and rich Indian art forms. Balaji has been in the field of advertising and graphic design for more than a decade now.

Balaji, who will host a workshop on May 24 as part of the efforts of Indian Folk Art 365, at Anna University, says the hope is to inspire everyone. “The idea is to keep the art alive, even if it means you are doing it at home. It is not about only artists. It could be anyone. The workshop will teach them to spot the form of art, apart from talking about its historical significance,” he says.

Pointing at the biggest reason for the decline of the folk art, Balaji says that the workshop looks at giving a contemporary look, despite retaining the salient features of folk art.  “Most folk art forms are being carried forward by tribals, who haven’t adapted to the changing times,” he states.

The workshop held at Anna University will teach participants Patua, a form of painting, which has its roots in Bengal. Contact 22301139 for details.