Folk arts and its significance

Ar.Mohafiz Riyaz
What is folk art?

FOLK ART - expression of any community’s

traditional cultures. FOLK ART is rooted in
traditions that come from community and
culture – expressing cultural identity by
conveying shared community values and
aesthetics.

FOLK ARTISTS traditionally learn skills and

techniques through apprenticeships in
informal community settings, though they
may also be formally educated.

Bharatanatyam – Tamil classical dance

Even though much Indian folklore have gone to oblivion, there are certain

folk arts of India managed to survive generations despite multitude of

challenges in the market and society like commercialization of art, influence

of globalization and exponential advancement in technologies.

Survivors – To mention few

Madhubani (Medieval Nepal)

Miniature Paintings (Rajasthan) Kalighat Paintings (Bengal)

Phad (Rajasthan) Patachitra (Odisha)

Kalamkari (Andhra) Warli painting (Gujarat and Maharashtra)

Tanjore paintings (Tamil Nadu)

What do you think as the reason for their sustainment?

Contemplate it .
Kalamkari paintings
Facts

Means “drawing with pen”

Persian origin –qalam (pen) and Kari

(work)

Two major categories Srikalahasti

style and the Masulipatnam style

Depicted various scenes

Predominantly natural dyes are used

Masulipatnam painting

Muslim influence

Old traditional block prints were

largely used

Persian motifs like trees,

creepers, flowers and leaf
designs

Popular demand from the west

Kalahasthi painting

Hindu influence

Designed and drawn with pens

on fabric

displayed scenes from the

puranas and other mythological
stories

Religious color code

Aspects

Lot of treatment and

process

Natural colors

Various stages and

layering
Tanjore paintings
Aspects

South Indian style painting

Geographical indication

Patronized during nayak period (15th

to 18th century)

Gold coating

Devotional figures

Otherwise referred to as “palagai

padam”
Process

The canvas is attached to wooden

base

Application of chalk onto the

canvas

Preliminary drawings

Gold coating

Application of colors
Pattachitra
References

https://www.craftsvilla.com/blog/indian-art-forms-painting-
madhubani-warli/

http://knowindia.gov.in/culture-and-heritage/folk-and-tribal-
art.php

https://www.thebetterindia.com/53993/10-indian-folk-art-
forms-survived-paintings/

http://knowindia.gov.in/culture-and-heritage/folk-and-tribal-
art.php