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While many cultures have struggled to reconcile the relentless push towards modernism with a desire to celebrate their roots, India has been unique in its ability to hold on and adapt its cultural influences, transforming homes into the crossroads of memory and futurism.
Dharatri: The Earth Goddess, Contemporary Warli Art, Maharashtra, Anil Vangad, 39 x 55 inches, Cow Dung and Acrylic on Cloth. Click to Purchase.
From the intricate Madhubani paintings of Bihar to vibrant Warli murals from Maharashtra we are no strangers to stunning and diverse art forms that can seem at odds with the sterility that modern aesthetics can aspire to. These art forms have long been admired for their beauty, craftsmanship, and ability to capture the essence of Indian culture and mythology.
Explore Gitanjali Das’s Collection here.
Take, for example, the exhilarating depictions of gods and goddesses in the work of Gitanjali Das’ Pattachitra work. These exquisitely ornate works tell stories of living mythos that beautifully adorn walls across the nation and beyond. To look upon these works is to be transported into a bygone era, brought back to life.
Explore Venkat Shyam’s artworks here.
In contrast to this, we have Nirbhai Raj Soni’s unique adaptation of the traditional Mewar style of miniature to create breathtakingly detailed, monochrome scenes of idyllic and picturesque Indian wildlife, the beauty of which cannot simply be understood in a single viewing.
When making a house a home we must keep in mind not only what we are striving for but what has empowered us to get to this point. The diverse Indias contained within these artworks show a throughline from where we have been to where we are now and act as a reminder about the treasure trove of culture that influences us in every walk of life.