The kirtimukha in ancient Indian art and how it came to be associated with the ‘grotesque’

In this paper is an attempt, through the lens of visual-rhetoric, towards understanding the origin of the k?rtimukha in ancient Indian art, its iconographic evolution and how this motif functions symbolically at manifold levels- from the ontological (as an essential quality of art, as a negation of the material vulnerability of a religious object or monument, as metaphor for the infinite) to the contextual (to serve a particular myth) and the apotropaic- through a plain visualisation of horror. It is in this evolution of purpose, that it came to be associated with the grotesque.

Secular Female Imagery in Orissan Temple Architecture: the Case of Alasa Kanyas

The temple architecture from the Indian subcontinent follows a certain protocol, and the sculptural programme of the temples is in conjunction with the prescribed norms. The paper looks at the regional temple architecture of Orissa, specifically at the profusion of secular female imagery, in the form of alasa kanyas or ‘indolent maidens’ that adorn the Orissan temples. The imagery of these maidens has been discussed in the Orissan text on temple architecture, Shilpa Prakasha of Ramachandra Mahapatra Kaula Bhattaraka from c. 11th century CE, and is the primary source of contemporary information on the subject.

The Phenomenal and the Cultural in Contemporary Paintings from Indian Diaspora

Contemporary painting is a complex practice that incorporates elements of different media and bear diverse historical and cultural influences. Contemporary painting from South-East Asian diaspora is no less different. In this paper an attempt has been made to analyze a few contemporary painters’ work in light of phenomenological theory. Merleau-Ponty’s (1993, 2004, 2008) theory of embodiment and phenomenology of perception has been used to show how the fusion of material exploration, embodied engagement with the lived environment, and knowledge of art-historical and contemporary trend results in creation of painting. It was also shown that the artists discussed are adept at combining cultural and sensual components in their painting thus creating works of art that has a broad cross-cultural appeal. It was argued that a theoretical lens that pays due attention to material and sensual aspects of art can open-up new horizon of analysis.

Art of the book: a brief history of decorative book binding

This article traces the history of the fine art of decorative binding in India, Egypt, Central Asia and Europe where it was mostly prevalent during ancient and medieval times and the cross cultural influences. Early modern era too had beautiful work on binding covers. Some works have even been called ‘treasure bindings’ made for important people in high social positions. The book bindings are still available across libraries, museums and private collections. Great care was taken to make the binding of a revered text strong and look appealing. The ancient and medieval times craftsmen used various methods and materials like wood, leather to make the bindings and used ivory, metal and pigments for embellishment. The article briefly describes the technique of book binding and showcases some specimens of fine book covers from across the world.

Quest for the Fashion Market: Zero-Waste Skirt Design as a Solution toward Sustainable Pattern Making

The present study shows the investigation of variables causing waste in the pattern making process through the examination of common methods of skirt design to ensure the optimal arrangement. Hence, efficiency is boosted during the pattern making phase by removing such variables. In this regard, it is proved the idea of making different skirts designs in the zero-waste approach without changing the skirt design structure. Moreover, the weight of pattern wastepaper is calculated after separating the garment parts from the main layout to evaluate the effect of creating a design regarding waste reduction. The study shows while maintaining the skirt design structure and using the standard pattern methods, appropriate changes are needed for a creative style of skirt design. The results can be used as a guideline to pattern makers and manufacturers for more objective selection and to support the development of zero-waste pattern making methods.

Artist Books and Art Zines: Past and Present

The paper is a study of art zines, related ephemera and artist books as well as their historical and conceptual relevance in the study of art. The aim is to look into the precursors and influences to the same and how zines, especially art zine and artists’ books evolved to their contemporary state. Zines are magazine/ books like, though more content-specific, primarily self- published and are produced in limited editions. On the other hand, artists’ books can be self published or gallery/ patron sponsored with limited or sometimes no copies to maintain the exclusivity. The paper will look into similar examples from art history, before the contemporary terms were formulated, in order to understand their origin, conceptual and contextual relevance in the history of visual art.

Kerala Mural Paintings: Diversification and Application in Home, Apparel and Accessories

A study on diversification of Kerala mural paintings was conducted by making different variety of products with different styles of design. Rather than confining Kerala murals on wall, nowadays several mediums are used to increase its aesthetic value and attract the potential customers. In this paper, the development of traditional and contemporary mural products is discussed. A survey was conducted first to know about the preferences of the potential customers on Kerala Mural products and products to be produced were selected according to this survey. Later, another survey was conducted to test the visual appearance and price range of the developed mural products. The study concludes by learning that people are showing interest in technological advancements in mural painting and its diversification for special purposes like social issues.

Kalighat Paintings: A National Artifact, the Folk and Counter Representation in the Making of Modern Art in Bengal

Kalighat Patachitra is a style of paintings that came into being in nineteenth century Calcutta after which its active practice died out by the beginning of the next century. My detailed focus in this article will be Kalighat Paintings and its emplotment in the question of national identity, with the loss of ritual importance, defamation and eventual museumization.

Gogi Saroj Pal: Questioning Patriarchy, Engendering Force through Paintings

Painting has always been a reflection of society, culture, values and surroundings of the individuals. The place and people around leaves a deep impact on the artists because they usually depict their belongingness and experiences through their creation. In Indian contemporary art, various artists like Amrita Sher-Gill, M.F. Husain, F.N. Souza and many more have adopted the glimpse of their city to articulate their expressions. Gogi Saroj Pal, a contemporary Indian artist has adopted the spirit of Indian culture, where she is inculcating the mythical fables with the advancement of feministic ideology. The aim of this paper is to discuss the significance of India and its socio-cultural aspects in the paintings of Gogi Saroj Pal. Gogi Saroj Pal is considered to be the first among the radical feminist artists of India who has painted various series on woman including Hat-yogini (female practitioner of Yoga), Kamdhenu (wish-fulfilling cow), Kinnari (half-bird & half woman), Dancing Horse, Sawaymvaram (an ancient practice for choosing groom by bride) and Alter for Nirbhaya (related with the brutal rape case in Delhi). In most of her paintings, powerful female nudes have been portrayed to criticize the previous forms of woman, which were particularly related with beauty and sensuousness. Apart from feministic advancement, her artwork series are particularly based on the indigenous portrayal of her surroundings- that is Indian urban context where innumerable incidents of female oppression take place recurrently. Gogi Saroj Pal usually takes the everyday problems of woman in modern Indian society and represents it with an infusion of mythological references through her paintings in an attempt to raise the voice of protest for the oppressed womanhood to the world. Keywords: Gender Politics, Patriarchal Hegemonies, Resistance of Power, Mythology and Art, Symbolism, Portrayal of Woman

Versatility in Designs of Punjabi Jutti

The use of footwear is as old as civilization. Numerous experimentations through the hands of Indian artisans of various regions, the form of desi jutti or traditional footwear emerged and circulated in numerous designs during ages. Today’s transforming approach of arts has been entered in every field of life to revive and modify our traditional handicrafts to justify our present needs and fashions. This paper is an effort to review the origin and glorious past of the handicraft of desi jutti as well new interventions in the handicraft industry, which affected, altered and fluctuated its original form using contemporary designs, materials and modern techniques. This paper is based on review of literature, interview and observation methods. Data is collected through thirty artisans in Ludhiana. Interviews and discussions also have been done with embroiders, boutique workers, sellers as well as experts. Keywords: Historical, change, contemporary, design, materials, machines, ornamentation.