BANGALORE: As our mind wanders beyond the spheres of sanguinity and desire; eternal mystery of art depicts reality in a canvas of reflections. Fundamentally, art has bestowed upon mankind, the righteousness of divinity and bliss of evolution.
Sheathed in a labyrinth of emotions, art through languid waves of hope triggers infinite sensations of joy in all beings. The grotesque brutality encompassing all entities of life interwoven with unadulterated love has created the finer aspects of communication with pure art.
Transcendental in nature, art is indeed a formless expression of consciousness. Resonant with earth and ancestral culture; tribal art is an echo of spiritual realms. The rustic crudity of organic media juxtaposed with raw textures makes this one of the most traditionally aesthetic and authentic art forms existing today.
Symbolisms in tribal art have revealed time and again the cognition of emotions. Creating a dimensionless marriage of contemporary and ancient; tribal art radiates beauty and simplicity. Striving to achieve peace and oneness with earth through art, City Express delves into the sacred terrene of tribal diversity.
“In India, folk art was conceived from creativity and endless imagination. And, no doubt, tribal art displays cultural integrity and wisdom. The intricacies of these rich art forms are passed on from one generation to the other. Sadly, they are on the verge of extinction owing to meager incomes. Kalamadhyam strives to support and empower these folk and tribal Indian artists and artisans through systematic and sustained development.
This will enable us to achieve the recognition that indigenous art forms deserve today. Artists’ meticulous work in creating simplicity brings out the rustic element of these art forms. Our mission is to protect the authenticity of traditional art and provide artists and artisans with a platform to showcase their talent. We have explored ways in which culture could provide a means of sustenance through the language of art,” said Mariam Thomas, programme director, Kalamadhyam.
Revolutionising Indian art, these illustrious art forms are a dialogue between man and nature. As primitive cultures sought mysticism and spirituality in a palette of raw colours; they expressed intense vibes through their depiction of souls, bereavement, rituals and tradition. Dexterity fused with passion in hues of vibrant colours; tribal art indeed is a reflection of diverse energies coalescing with one another. “We need to keep these art forms alive. The intricate paintings, motifs and sculptures form an integral link with Indian fine art,” added Thomas. Imparting an insight into the fundamental theory of evolution and consciousness of tribal life; these art forms and their distinct genres reign supreme in the realm of Indian art. Paying obeisance to the various elements of rural art, we embark on a journey of discovery with Mariam Thomas.
Chakshudaan Pata / Jadu Pata
This is an ancient art form that celebrates death and liberation through splendid rituals. With minimalism muted in shades of brown, black and grey on what appears as a stained background, the chakshudaan pata has an intrinsic appeal.
Often assosiated with magic and mysticism, this tribal art form hails from the Santal Pargana district of Bihar. The whole ritual of the painting is intended to save a soul from perdition. However, the jadu pata chronicles a tale evoking the misery of the dead whose soul is condemned to hell.
Chittara painting
Capturing the solidarity and solemnity of rituals; music forms a crucial entity in chittara paintings. Their bassinets of elegant mural art reflect on the important aspects of life. Bearing a resemblance to Warli art, these art forms can be distinguished by their intricate geometric designs.
Establising a pure and divine relationship with earth; the existence of the tribal folklore is smitten with nature. The paintings mainly make use of four naturally occurring colours: red, white, black or yellow. White from rice paste, black is burnt rice powder, red from laterite soil and yellow is the colour extracted from the surgie flower, which is common to the region.
Gond painting
Transporting you to the dazzling world of imagination and creativity, the gond painting from Madhya Pradesh is an amalgamation of flamboyant colours and complex designs. Like most tribal communities, the Gonds are artistically gifted and possess astounding creative vision. Traditionally, their paintings on mud wall houses relied on shared symbols within a local community context. Two dimensional in nature, these paintings bear an extraordinary likeliness to Australian aboriginal art as both these art forms make use of dots or lines as fillers.
Par or Phad painting
Harmonious blend of pulsating hues with mythology led to the creation of an ostentatious yet flawless art form. Multi-coloured textures and sophisticated details form the identity of par or phad paintings. These regal masterpieces belong to the mesmerising land of Rajasthan. Raspy tones instill a sense of warmth in the ritualistic paintings. Articulating the splendour and magnificence of ancient times; the skill required to produce a ceremonial par or phad was always a closely guarded secret (typically handed down from father to son in the early nineteenth century).
Pata painting
Exuberant display of bright and vivacious palettes of colours; the pata artists drew inspiration from sacred texts, secularism and socio-political concerns. Radiating positive energy with every form; the rudimentary nature of these paintings ascertains artists’ interest in imparting knowledge. Tracing its roots back to Midnapur; this art form makes use of organic colours and creates awareness on numerous issues.
Rajasthan miniature painting
Encompassing timeless romance and regal opulence; the Rajasthan miniature paintings are a classic depiction of inner beauty and conflicting emotions. Unveiling the grandeur of palaces and simplicity of virtues; the paintings are a tribute to the purity of love. Breathing life into characters, the artists’ poetic interpretation of tales is indeed admirable.