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Bhil art is instinctive and primal, originating from a long-standing affinity to nature. Bhil is what comes to mind while discussing uniqueness in the arts. The Bhils, who are India's second-largest tribal group, are spread out across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.

Before switching to canvas and paper, traditionaly the Bhil artists would decorate the walls of their houses, by using neem sticks and other twigs or branches .

These paintings were made using natural dyes derived from turmeric, flour, vegetables, leaves, and oil, resulting in vivid colours that were used to create captivating frescos on floors and walls. The Bhils created a unique language through their paintings to reflect their experiences.

The primary element of Bhil art is story-telling and artists describe diverse memories of a specific rite through their art. Historically in Bhil art, in particular, huge but life-like shapes of not-unusual characters are drawn. Those motifs are then filled with earthy however brilliant colors in plain shape.

The dots on a Bhil painting aren't random. They are styles that would be made to symbolize something that the artists want, from ancestors to deities. The paintings of each Bhil artist are unique, and the dot styles may be counted because such patterns are entirely in the hands of the artists who produce them.

Bhil art is intuitive and primeval, the outcome of centuries of connection with nature.The Bhils are mainly a rural community, and their lives revolve around the land they cultivate with. What makes the artwork more unique, is that it has traveled down generations, with maximum artists getting to know it from their mothers.

Today, we’re getting to see plenty more of Bhil art in the mainstream. Clay has been replaced with the aid of canvas, and natural dyes with acrylic paints. The artists who could in advance paint on partitions and floors of their village homes, at the moment are recognized over the United States and even internationally, their works offered for masses of dollars. But there’s something about this shape of artwork that is so rooted, that an alternate medium or maybe recognition, does no longer rid it of the honesty of its depictions.

Bhil painters have recently been incorporating contemporary themes into their array of avatars. A common theme is transportation, such as buses. This is the epitome of a work of art that accurately captures life as it is as it develops. Bhil art is so stunning because of its sincere simplicity. The dots that fill in the imperfect shapes have an almost sacred quality to them, telling us a story about life as it is happening.

India has many indigenous art forms that have been practised for ages. Indian tribal art is distinguished for its creativity and imagination.  

One such art form is Warli painting. Warli painting is an indigenous art form originating from the state of Maharashtra. These paintings can be traced back to as far as the Neolithic period between 2,500 BC to 3,000 BC. 

Warli painting is created by the Warli or Varli tribe - an indigenous tribe hailing from the North Sahyadri Range of India. This range encapsulates villages such as Dahanu, Talasari, Jawhar, Palghar, Mokhada, and Vikramgadh of the Palghar district. The Warlis are one of the oldest and largest tribal communities of India, living on the outskirts of Mumbai.

Source: todaystraveller

Warli, at first glance, may seem like a simplistic painting. But, the forms in the paintings are complex and two-dimensional. Warli paintings have a very basic graphic vocabulary: a circle, a triangle, a square- The painting is monosyllabic. It is an expression of daily life experiences, beliefs, ideas, and narratives. 

The artists use rudimentary techniques to paint simple human figures on the mud walls of their houses. The walls are prepared by plastering cow dung over them and then adding a coat of geru over them. They select the designs first and directly draw them on the wall, paper, or cloth. Bamboo sticks with chewed ends were traditionally used as brushes. But, in recent times, synthetic paints and paintbrushes are used instead. A white pigment is used to paint motifs on walls, earthen pots, and other surfaces. This white pigment is made from rice flour which is mixed with water to create a good consistency to paint with. 

Source: todaystraveller

This art form has become popular in India and now, globally because of its simplicity in shapes, its use of single white colour, the requirement of minimum tools and harmonious compositions of beautiful motifs by using simple lines, triangles, squares, circles, and dots.

Traditionally, women mainly created these paintings. Warli painting is known for its  depictions in a single colour, expressing the social life, religious customs, imaginations, and beliefs of the Warlis. The Warli tribe has still preserved their originality through Warli art and the folk dance ‘Tarpa Nrutya’. 

Artist Jivya Soma Mashe

Artist Jivya Soma Mashe led the way for the innovation and revival of Warli art. He contributed greatly to giving this art form new horizons. He combined the conventional Warli worldview with contemporary and ongoing issues in his works. His paintings show a heightened sensitivity and an unusually powerful imagination. When he started using paper and canvas, it liberated him from the limitations of working on uneven, stark walls. He revamped the abrupt appearance of the transient paintings into an unrestrained, deeply intuitive style. His strokes, lines and a cloud of specks surge on the canvas. His compositions create a sense of vitality and movement. Themes of marriages, Diwali festival, Holi festival, crop harvesting, Tarpa dance and Warli legends reappear in his works time and again and become a reason for celebrating life and movement. 

Jivya Soma Mashe summed up his paintings in the words, "there are human beings, birds, animals, insects, and so on. Everything moves, day and night. Life is movement".

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Have you heard about Cheriyal Paintings? If you are an Indian folk art aficionado, you might have; but most of us, unfortunately, do not know much about the art form. In this blog, let’s try learning ten aspects of this Cheriyal painting tradition.

What are Cheriyal Paintings? Cheriyal paintings are long narrative scroll paintings that serve as visual aids to a musical storytelling tradition. A conventional Cheriyal scroll is vertical and is divided into different frames, with each frame depicting a scene from the tale that is being presented. Since these scrolls are meant to be rolled when not in use, they are made with fabric. Traditionally, a khadi cloth is used as the base for these paintings.

Where do they come from? The name that the art form is known by today, i.e., Cheriyal, is derived from the town it is currently practised in. Cheriyal is a town in the Siddipet district of Telangana, India. The practice of the art form is much more limited than it was previously. Initially, these paintings were known as nakash or naqash, which translates to a drawing or a sketch.

Who are the people who are associated with these scrolls? In addition to the previous aspect, the people involved in the creation of these traditional nakash or Cheriyal paintings, are a community known as the Nakashis. Other than this community, there is another important group of individuals associated with this tradition. It is important to note that the actual purpose of these scrolls was to serve as visual aids when a storyteller narrated a particular folklore or mythological story in the form of a song. This community of balladeers is referred to as kaki padagollu. They travel from village to village narrating these stories.

How old is the Cheriyal painting tradition? As mentioned before, Cheriyal paintings were originally called nakash. Research suggests that these initial pieces were a little different from the ones created today, and are a result of cultural amalgamation. It is believed that the art form and technique of nakash came into the Indian subcontinent from Persia during the reign of the Mughals around the 16th century CE. Hence, making the Cheriyal painting tradition around 400 years old.

What themes do these paintings usually revolve around? The most prominent themes that are featured in Cheriyal paintings are the stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and also the Puranas. For example, below is an example of a Cheriyal painting depicting the stories from the life of the Hindu deity Krishna.

Other than these religious and mythological tales, these paintings also depict the social life, cultural practices, and festivities of the local communities. In the Cheriyal painting below, instances from day-to-day life in a rural setting are portrayed.

What are commonly noticed motifs and patterns in Cheriyal paintings? Since religious tales are a popular theme in these scrolls, Hindu religious iconography is one of the most visible motifs in this art form. Moreover, flora and fauna are commonly painted on these scrolls too. Other than these, brightly coloured borders - both, at the edges of the scroll and in between the frames - with floral patterns are one of the most identifiable features of Cheriyal paintings. A bright red background too is a given in almost all Cheriyal works.

What paints are used in these paintings? Like all traditional folk art forms, Cheriyal paintings too use only naturally sourced colours. Most of the pigments used in these paintings are mineral based, i.e., they are obtained from coloured stones. These stones are crushed into a fine powder and mixed with a natural binder and water. The natural binder used is gum arabic, locally called tirumani gond. This mixture is prepared with extreme attentiveness to make paint that is of the right saturation and has the ability to stick to the cloth base.

What tools are used by Cheriyal artists to make these paintings? Paintbrushes are the only tools which are used by Cheriyal artists to draw, paint, and add details to their artworks. Traditionally, these paintbrushes were made using squirrel hair because of how fine the artists could paint with them. However, today this practice has been replaced by market-available synthetic brushes.

New adaptations? New trends? With changing times, the popularity of Cheriyal scrolls and the accompanying musical narrative tradition faced a decline. To sustain themselves, these artists have adapted themselves to the changing needs and tastes. Today, the size of these scrolls has been minimised and the number of frames per painting has been decreased too. This is because these paintings are now used more as decorative pieces in households, rather than as storytelling aids.

Another innovation of the Cheriyral artists is also the minimising of the Cheriyal masks. Originally, these masks were worn by the storytellers to give their audiences a more vivid experience. But as mentioned before, the decline in the associated storytelling tradition led to a decline in the demand. Today, these mini Cheriyal masks serve as decorative items.

Some Cheriyal artists also experiment with newer subjects and depict contemporary issues.

Where can you learn this art form? Now, if you really got interested in these Cheriyal paintings, we encourage you to check out Rooftop! This online platform provides daily workshops on different traditional art forms from India, and Cheriyal painting workshops do come up every now and then. Rooftop also has Maestro Courses, where authentic folk artists give lessons to anyone interested. Cheriyal art form is one of the upcoming courses there! You can also check out our Instagram or download the Rooftop App from GooglePlay or AppStore.

Mata Ni Pachedi — An Ode To Goddess

Origin Of Mata Ni Pachedi

In Gujarat, “pujaks” worship the Mother Goddess — including members of the Vaghri community. Due to caste restrictions earlier, they were not allowed to enter temples, so they painted images of the goddess on fabric hangings — which were displayed during ceremonies and later put away when not in use.

This handmade unique craft representing images of the Mother Goddess on cloth — is called Mata ni Pachedi. The images usually feature the Goddess as the dominant figure in the centre holding a weapon to fight evil, with animals and plants intricately drawn around her. There are only five families left who carry forward this tradition that goes back over 300 years, with deep-rooted knowledge passed down over generations, making it an endangered form of art. Pachedi is a religious textile folk art taken from the Kalamkari style of painting, one of the best among Indian art, featuring the Mother Goddess at the centre and her stories with the images of devotees along with flora and fauna on the remaining cloth.

Making Of Mata Ni Pachedi Art Form

Creating a Mata ni Pachedi is a complex task, which involves painting mythology stories and usually depicts the manifestation of goddesses. Cotton cloth is the canvas of this art. The cloth is first soaked in water for 24 hours and then sun-dried. The cloth is again soaked in the solution of harda and again left under the sun for drying. It takes two complete days to make the canvas ready. After the canvas is ready, an outline of the creation is drawn on it in black colour, which is a natural, homemade colour, like all other colours used in this traditional art form. The artists keep a mixture of jaggery, and iron rust along with water in a completely covered pot for almost 15 days to obtain the natural black colour; tamarind seed paste is also added to give it the required viscosity

Mata ni Pachedi is painted using Kalamkari techniques. Sharpened bamboo sticks are used as pencils and paint brushes. This art involves freehand drawing. The canvas is painted with a dye colour made from a solution to make it visible during the application. The major reason to use natural dyes as the paint is to keep this art everlasting.

Colours Of Mata Ni Pachedi

Each colour has its own significance in Mata ni Pachedi. After completing the colours, the painted fabric is washed off in running water, to give the finishing touch. Another technique used to create the art involves wooden block printing.

The Uniqueness Of Mata Ni Pachedi Art Form

The uniqueness of this art form is that it takes days of patience and dedication, to make one piece. Mata ni pachedi textile art is used in many places, and is often referred to as sacred cloth. Creating the artwork takes several months and selling it is an even more difficult task. The digital world has given a new way to sell products all over the country.

For many more interesting and surprising facts about art around us, join us on Instagram: @rooftop_app or download Rooftop App available for both iOS and Android devices.

In today’s world, you can’t imagine your life without the internet. It is a medium for everything from paying bills to keeping your friends and family close. Being a crucial part of the modern world, the internet is also a great platform to learn. Online courses provide a platform for all age groups, which has made it very easy to know and learn about any form of Indian art, and that too taught by master artists right from the comfort of our homes. It doesn’t matter whether you are entirely new to Indian art or are experienced, you can find classes to suit your current ability. Whoever is interested in creating art, can become part of an online community. For example, on online platforms like Rooftop you can find master artists guiding you through their respective art forms. The master artists would not only teach you how to draw but also provide anecdotes for you to understand the art form better.

Rooftop provides you with live art workshops and professionally designed art courses keeping everyone’s comfort in mind. Such keenly selected classes bring artists and art lovers together to make art accessible and approachable to all those who seek it.

Rooftop also offers Maestro Courses and Art Therapy. Along with the art services that rooftop offers, its goal is to form an exclusive art community never seen before with:

2000+ Art Experiences 

2100+ Expert Artists

42,800+ Member Participation

20+ Countries Across the Globe

Rooftop now hosts 700+ art experiences for more than 25,000 attendees from 20+ countries across the globe.

With advancements in technology and technical aid, Rooftop has now launched a mobile application for both ios and android devices for a more seamless, and personal experience. They also have an Instagram handle where you can find small factoids from the traditional Indian art scene, where Learning art has never been more fun! Now you can take classes on the go, anytime and anywhere!

You might have heard the name of Jivya Soma Mashe and his tribal art paintings portraying fishing nets - enormous domes of white lace taking up almost the entire canvas. In 2015, Societe Generale acquired one of his works, Fishnet, for its Collection. This Indian art is termed as "Warli Art". Rooftop brings you all about the Warli art origin, and its art form and finds out the great marvels of Warli paintings and their roots!

What is Warli Art? 

If you are curious about Warli art, then the Warli painting's origin is not going to disappoint you at all. Warli painting is a style of tribal art mostly created by the tribal people from the North Sahyadri Range in India. This range encompasses cities such as Dahanu, Talasari, Jawhar, Palghar, Mokhada, and Vikramgadh of Palghar district. The Warli tribe is one of the oldest and largest tribes in India, located on the verge of the city of dreams- Mumbai. 

The History of Their Origination 

These paintings might seem to be nothing more than Warli figures drawn on rich dark walls to the untrained eye, but a closer inspection of this art shows that Warli is far more than the eyes could see. Being of the oldest Indian tribal art forms, its origin can be traced back to around 3000 BC.  Warli paintings were completely unknown until the 1970s. They are farmers and gatherers who worship nature and show their gratitude for the same by making it the main theme in their artworks. Quite often, many elements of nature like hunting and harvesting are the focal points further pointed up in these paintings. An interesting fact about Warli artists is that they used their clay huts as the backdrop for their masterpieces, much like how palaeolithic artists used their cave walls as canvases.

Applications of Warli Art 

Over the years Warli paintings have come into the limelight drastically. The original Warli paintings have been done on the walls of the tribal homes and Bhoir says this practice remains vibrant even today as people paint their walls on all special occasions like marriages, festivals or other social occasions. Initially, these beautiful masterpieces were painted on mud walls with a paste of rice and water and chewed bamboo sticks were used to act as paintbrushes. But, on the other hand, today synthetic paints and paintbrushes can create an end product just the same!

For more art-related content, join us on Instagram: @rooftop_app or download our Rooftop App available for both iOS and Android devices.

What is Phad Painting 

Phad painting is an Indian folk art form that originates from Shahpura, in the Bhilwara district of Rajasthan. It is a traditional cloth painting, portraying the glorified stories of the local rulers, warriors and deities. The paintings depict stories from Hindu mythology and the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana, using bold and vibrant colours. The paintings are often accompanied by a recital of religious verses and hymns, using traditional musical instruments.

How do you make a Phad painting?

To make a Phad painting in the traditional style, you will need the following supplies:

- A canvas or cloth backing of at least 9 feet by 4 feet in size

- Wooden dowels or sticks of various lengths (at least 2 dowels that are each 6 feet long)

- Paint and brushes

- Scissors

- A ruler

- Basic stationery

The steps involved:

Once you have gathered all of your supplies, you can begin making your Phad painting

1. Cut the cloth backing to the correct size using scissors. 

2. Decide where you want to place the main image or story and then measure and mark off that space on the cloth with a ruler.

3. Begin drawing out the image or story onto the cloth using chalk or charcoal pencils. Make sure it is drawn neatly and accurately. If needed, use a light box to help trace any images perfectly. 

4. Once the image is complete, start painting it using bright colours and intricate details. Be sure to follow tradition closely for the best results. 

5. When finished, attach the wooden sticks perpendicularly along one edge of the painted cloth using strong adhesive tape. These will be used later to roll up and store away your painting when finished.

Story of Phad Painting

The Phad painting has been passed down through generations within a single family for more than 800 years. The Phad painting depicts the story of the local hero Pabuji, who is said to be the reincarnation of God by the Rabaris. These stories are narrated by the Bhopa (priest) and the Bhopi (wife) in a performance with a musical instrument known as ‘ravanhatta’. The Phad is a portable shrine by the Rabaris and is used as a backdrop when the Bhopas recite 4000 verse epics for 5 nights. The Rabaris believe that worshipping the Pabuji ki Phad can cure diseases. Phad paintings depict the stories of Devnarayan, a local deity as well. 

Use of Phad Painting 

Phad paintings are used for many different purposes, including decorations in homes and temples, as part of wedding ceremonies and festivals, and as souvenirs. Phad has also been used to illustrate folk heroes' stories, celebrate the local culture, and promote the traditional art form. The paintings can also be used as teaching tools to help explain Hindu mythology and traditions to children. 

Pattachitra is an Indian art form that originated in Odisha, India. It is a style of painting done on cloth, handmade paper, and sometimes on walls. It usually depicts motifs of Hindu gods and goddesses, scenes from Hindu mythology, and especially Lord Jagannath. The paintings are often vibrant, colourful, and intricate in detail.

How to make Pattachitra

Patachitra is an ancient art form that is still practised today in India. It is a type of Indian folk painting that is usually done on cloth. To make a Pattachitra, you will need the following supplies: a piece of cloth (preferably cotton or silk), fabric paint, a paintbrush, and a pen or marker for drawing.

1. Begin by drawing your design onto the cloth. You can either use a pen or marker or draw with a brush and fabric paint.

2. Once your design is drawn, it’s time to start painting. Use fabric paint to fill in the colours. You can use various colours or stick to traditional Indian colours like yellow, red, and green.

3. After the painting is complete, you can add extra details like beads and sequins. These can be added to the fabric with fabric glue.

4. Finally, you can finish the piece by adding a lining of fabric on the back. This will help to protect the painting from wear and tear.

The different types of canvas used

The traditional art of Orissa Pattachitra is mostly painted on a cotton cloth known as Patta. The main types of canvas used for Orissa Pattachitra are-

1. Cotton: This is the most popular type of canvas used for Orissa Pattachitra. Cotton cloth is lightweight and has a smooth texture, making it an ideal material for painting.

2. Silk: Silk is a more expensive type of canvas used for Orissa Pattachitra. It is heavier and more durable than cotton, and its glossy texture provides a beautiful finish to the artwork.

3. Paper: Paper is a less popular choice of canvas for Orissa Pattachitra. It is often used for illustrations and sketches, but it is not as durable or resistant to water as other materials.

4. Wood: Wood is a more expensive type of canvas used for Orissa Pattachitra. It is heavier and more durable than other materials and can be used to create more intricate designs.

Pattachitra is a beautiful and unique form of art that can be used to create stunning pieces of art. All you need is a little practice and patience. Come to the Rooftop App and learn about Pattachitra art and take your favourite workshops and classes.

The Pichwai paintings are used to decorate the walls of temples, behind the Srinath ji’s idol. According to the Nathdwara School, the Pichwai style is characterized by large eyes, a broad nose, and a heavy body, similar to Shrinathji’s idol.

What makes Pichwai Special

Pichwai artisans create elaborate, exquisitely detailed works of art.For example, coconut shells are used for holding colours, and tamarind twig charcoal is used. The Pichwai colour palette consists of red, gold and prominent shades to that of pink, yellow, blue, green, red and silver. The process of creating Pichwai art takes several months and requires the precision of an artist who paints every detail.

In Nathdwara, Pichwai art was created to decorate the shrine of Shrinathji (Shrinathji ki Haveli) and to tell stories in villages. Today, it can be seen in temples of the region, and it is purchased by art lovers and devotees to decorate their homes.

Behind the Legend

The important figure in Pichwai art is Shrinathji, a manifestation of Lord Krishna as a seven-year-old child.

Legend says that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Parvat (a mountain) on his little finger as a child to help protect the villagers of Vrindavan from the dangerous thunderstorms orchestrated by Indra. This episode of Krishna’s life is depicted in Shrinathji’s posture in all Pichwai paintings, with the deity’s left hand raised as if in the action of hoisting the Gowardhan mountain and his right hand bent at the waist

The most frequently painted figure in Pichwai paintings is Shrinathiji in this posture, while others portray the Raas Leela, tales from Krishna’s life, and seasons & festivals .

The Journey

The laborious process of creating a Pichwai artwork can take several months. It uses a variety of colours, including metallic, organic, mineral, and synthetic mineral pigments.

Intricate embroidery, gem work, and excellent workmanship abound in Pichwai paintings. Additionally, these paintings are made by hand while seated on the floor rather than using traditional canvas and paintbrushes.

The core of Pichwai art is its pure, natural colours. The paintings are created using natural pigments manufactured from gold, coal, silver, indigo, zinc, saffron, and other natural minerals. To paint their piece, artists would ground the colours for several days to get the perfect pigments. After which they would remove the dust, and add tree gum to create a paste-like consistency that could be then used to paint.

Due to the exquisite detail in these paintings, unlike other kinds of art, there is no chance of touch-ups. Pichwai art is incredibly difficult and demands a great deal of skill, patience, and expertise.

Pichwai facts are so interesting. If you want to learn Pichwai go to the Rooftop App and know about it.

There are over 705 tribes and indigenous groups in India. The arts have been influenced by a broad range of cultures, including folk and tribal art. The term “Gond” is derived from the word “Kond,” which means “green mountains,” and the Gondis are mostly found in Madhya Pradesh’s verdant highlands. The tribe believes that viewing a positive image brings prosperity and good fortune.

The earth, water, and air, according to those who believe in gods, are under their control. The majority of their holidays are observed by singing and dancing in adoration of the gods and nature. On rare times, such as when the Dandari artists are present, dances represent folk events. Dhulias (musicians) preserve legends, fantasies, and history by handing them down from generation to generation in addition to making music. Tribal paintings from the Gond region represent a variety of celebrations and ceremonies.

About Gond Art

The designs of Digna and Bhittichitra art were the ancestors of modern Gond paintings. The Gonds decorate their homes with Digna paint on the walls and floors. Bhittichitra decorates their homes with pictures of animals and vegetation.

Gond Art: Stories and Symbols

It is impossible to understate the significance of trees in Gond art. Humans are shielded from the sun by trees in the summer and from the rain by them in the monsoon season.

Ganja Mahua Tree: A lower caste boy and an upper caste girl who fell in love but were shunned by society is the subject of folklore. They gave up everything and entered the wilderness, where they gave birth to the ganja and mahua trees. It is said that ganja and mahua should never be consumed together while intoxicated.

Saja Tree: The Saja Tree is a tree that is revered by both the Gond population and the Bada Dev (their divinity).

Pakri Tree: The Gond community consumes food (saag) produced from these leaves whenever the tree’s fresh leaves blossom, protecting them against several ailments and diseases.

Peepal Tree: Since the Gods (Devtas) reside there, the peepal tree is regarded as the most significant tree in Hinduism.

Tamarind Tree: The tamarind tree is significant to indigenous people as well because they use the fruit to create chutney (paste) and sell it to earn a living. In the Gond culture, there are several platforms for gods or goddesses located under the trees.

In Gond art, a nice picture is thought to bring good fortune. Because of this ingrained idea, the Gonds adorned their homes instead of painting the designs of their tattoos on the walls.

Global sales of Gond art goods including wooden trays, boxes, and paintings on wood have increased exponentially.

What is the most effective approach to study Gond art, then? In our Live Arts Workshop collections, Rooftop App routinely hosts Gond art workshops. Utilize the provided link to download the app.

What is Gond art? Gond art is a form of tribal art originating in India, largely practised by the Gond tribe. It is a colourful style of painting often depicting animals, plants, and nature, as well as religious and folkloric themes. Gond art is characterized by its bold, geometric lines and vibrant use of colour, and is often painted on walls, fabrics, and other surfaces.

Importance of Gond art

Gond art is one of the important parts of India’s cultural heritage and has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a unique form of expression that reflects the lifestyle and beliefs of the Gond people, as well as their deep connection to nature. The Gond art is also used to promote environmental protection, biodiversity, and cultural awareness. Gond art has also become an important source of income for the Gond artists, providing the communities with a chance to express their art.

Use of Gond art

Gond art is often used to decorate walls, fabrics, and other surfaces. It has also been used in advertising, book illustrations, and even in the design of textiles and jewellery. In recent years, Gond art has been used in the design of furniture and home decor, including rugs, cushions, and lamps. It has also been used to create unique, beautiful pieces of art that can be hung in homes and offices.

The theme of Gond art

Gond art usually depicts animals, plants, and nature, as well as religious and folkloric themes. Patterns like lines, dashes, and dots are used in the art filled with vivid colours. Common themes in Gond art include trees, flowers, birds, and animals, as well as Hindu gods and goddesses. Other common themes include stories from Gond folklore and mythology, as well as scenes from everyday life.

Sounds interesting, right? Gond art theme and Gond art are so amazing. If you want to learn more download the Rooftop App.

Here’s an overview of Warli, which is said to be one of India’s oldest art forms and may have piqued your interest if you’ve ever seen human figures with triangular-shaped bodies in certain designs or paintings or if you’ve heard the phrases “Warli paintings” or “Warli art.”

Warli Ki early Kahani! (The Origins of Warli)

The art genre mostly depicts a straightforward representation of Nature and the tribe’s community. One of its distinguishing characteristics from other Indian tribal art styles is the geometric aspect of the work, which gives it a raw and mysterious appeal. Three basic geometric shapes — a circle, a triangle, and a square — are used in this genre of art.

The name “Warli” derives from the word “Waral,” which denotes a modestly sized parcel of land. The tribe’s main means of sustenance and a substantial source of food was farming; they held nature and wildlife in high regard for the resources they supplied for survival. The idea of mother nature and her components was typically at the core of this painting genre. The focus elements of these paintings are frequently various features of nature, which are then accentuated. Warli artists are known for using their clay homes as backgrounds for their works of art, much as how prehistoric humans utilized cave walls as canvases.

Warli Painting Designs and Styles

When looking at a Warli painting, the beautiful geometric patterns of flowers, hunting scenes, wedding customs, and other subjects stand out. Sometimes they are represented by spirals and open-ended circles combined with imagery of men and women dancing. The patterns in the picture are extremely lovely and delicate. Two colors, created from rice paste, muddy brown and white, were the original hues utilized in Warli paintings. They progressively added more hues to the backdrop, including Black, Brick Red, Indigo, Henna, and Ochre, to mention a few.

Fashionistas and home goods companies alike are now drawn to these styles and models. As a result, Warli tribal art may be seen in a wide range of items and places across the globe. Maharashtrians are particularly attached to Warli paintings since they first saw them on the walls of many rural schools and houses before they were widely recognized.

The Modern Rebirth of Warli

This ritualistic art underwent a major transformation when Jivya Soma Mashe and his son Balu Mashe started painting in the 1970s. They painted for aesthetic objectives rather than for ceremonial purposes. Jivya is frequently referred to be the contemporary father of Warli art. Since the 1970s, Warli paintings have been created on canvas and paper. Warli paintings have traditionally shown nature and typical human activities. The art genre has developed through time to include modern themes that highlight diverse community social deeds. Icons like automobiles, televisions, and buses are all included in contemporary Warli art! Artists no longer utilize rice paste for white paint; instead, they use acrylic paint. However, some individuals still use bamboo sticks as paintbrushes. The artists’ intention is still traditional even if they have commercialized their work through contemporary methods.

Have you ever wondered why Kerala is known to be God’s own country? Kerala is well-known for it’s delicious food, traditional art forms, and exquisite and unique artworks.

In this blog,Rooftoptakes on a spotlight on the ritualistic art ofKerala- Kalamezhuttu.

Kalamezhuttu is a ritual art form practised in Kerala, where artists create realistic images of various Hindu gods and goddesses. It is a combination of their native languagekalam, which means picture, andezhuthu, meaning drawing.

History & Tradition Of Kalamezhuttu

The lineage of this artwork has blended harmoniously with Dravidian and Aryan cultures with Hindu mythology. It is a ritual practice that is often performed at temples and at the front and back of houses to welcome the deities within. The religious art form was evident even in the Sanghom Age. As part of the celebration, garlands, flowers, leaves, and oil lamps are placed throughout the sacred place.

Generally, Kalamezhuttu artists are from the communities of Kurups, Theyyampadi Nambiars, Theeyadi Nambiars, and Theeyadi Unnis. Even though their art styles are different, the rituals connected to them are the same. It has strict rules and guidelines, unlike a Rangoli design. The artwork must start from the center and move outward, it cannot be done the other way around. The coloured powders are scattered without the use of any instruments.

One can find thisritualistic artworkgenerally drawn at the temple entrances and royal households. According to tradition, these vibrant artworks welcome gods into the temple.

Symbolism And Importance

Kalamezhuthu symbolises excessive anger and intense emotions. This ritual has three stages that revolve around aspects of religion, aesthetics, and sociality. First, the Kalamezhuttu is drawn, followed by kalam pattu(ritual song), which depicts the mythology associated with the deity. Songs vary from folk to classical in style, depending on the deity being worshipped. As soon as the additional practices are completed, the Kalam Thullal, the artist, erases the kalam artist while performing to traditional drum beats. The ritual is done at the specified auspicious time.

Themes And Stories Related With Kalamezhuttu

The world is the canvas for this creation of art. The artists use five different types of coloured powder that were originally made from natural sources, including black from charcoal, yellow from turmeric, green from leaves, white from rice powder, and red from combining lime and yellow. The Kalamezhuthu’s pattern and design are purely determined by the occasion and not by the artist’s preference.

In Kalamezhuttu, Bhagavati, Bhadrakali, and Ayappa are the most prominent deities. The artists take utmost care to draw the eyes, noses, and ornaments in the vivid drawings of the deities. The art showcases the angry state of the Gods. The artists primarily draw these deities with their weapons to showcase their anger.

International Recognition

The ritualistic Kalamezhuttu art is one of its kind that needs protection from getting extinct. Also, it’s recognised as an Intangible cultural heritage and holds significant value.

UNESCO has set a few guidelines for intangible cultural heritage, and Kalamezhuttu encompasses all kinds of them:

An oral tradition or expression, including a language that showcases the intangible cultural heritage

An art form that involves performance

Observances, rituals, and celebrations.

An understanding of the universe and nature

The art of traditional craftsmanship.

Thus, we must preserve this unique art form in its current state of being performed. It is we who have to keep our cultures and traditions alive for the generations to come.

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