Folk Painting Of India
The term folk paintings have encompasses pictures made in Indian villages by both men and women, for ornamentation of their abodes,portrayals of their gods and for their various rituals and by local professional painters or artisans for use of the local people. All these paintings were produced in a variety of styles and themes. History, sociology and geography infused the painting of each region with local flavor. To some extent their style and quantity depended on the materials available in the place in which they were executed.These very factors help us to identify them region wise.And yet through all the apparent diversity these runs an underlying unity which makes them 'Indian'.
It is as old as the land, its trees, rivers, hills and humans. From time immemorial people or common 'folk' have articulated their instincts and sentiments through the medium of painting.Images have been sketched on pots and pans, on walls of village houses, on dried leaves and later on clothes and paper. Executed almost all possible ways,folk art painting have been an integral part of Indian civilization.Evolving out of the cave paintings of prehistoric period,It continues to be a dynamic tradition.
The Indian art of painting is varied and diverse,like the cultures, to which they belong. Paintings rare made using a variety of medium.Traditional Indian paintings depict gods and goddesses, mythological scenes, scenes pertaining to erstwhile royal houses and scenes from daily life.
Folk paintings happen to be the most instinctive human expressions, evolving out of a mimetic urge and decorative purpose.Beautifying the world around and reaching out to the heavens above have been the motivating forces behind the tradition of Indian folk paintings.
Started as cave paintings of prehistoric period, folk painting continues to be a living tradition.Contemporary society has unearthed this immense treasure of folk paintings that was shrouded in anonymity and neglect Warli paintings, Madhubani paintings and other forms of traditional Indian folk art are internationally acclaimed possessions today.Guided by no formal school,bound by no orthodox method, folk paintings grows out of life and is sustained by life.Religious rituals,domestic beautification, familiar celebrations, Seasonal festivals are some of the inspirations behind the rise and growth of folk paintings in India.
Gods and goddesses, mythical figures, legendary heroes and glimpses of common man's life are the principal themes of folk paintings. Earthen colors were used in traditional folk paintings though currently synthetic colors are also in use. Usually the finery of folk painting is passed from one generation to the other. People belonging to a particular community assimilate the aesthetic and symbolic essence consciously or at times unconsciously by simply living in the environment where the art is practiced.
