The Material Of Creation

Far from being a passive surface, the canvas has always been significant in traditional Indian art. While the paintings and intricate line work of all Indian art forms serve as the main focus for the viewer, the medium itself holds a story within its very fibers. In India, various art forms embraced unique materials that resonated with the artwork's purpose and cultural context.

‘Vishat Mata Chadeni’ by Vasant Manubhai Chitara, Natural Stone Pigments on Cotton Cloth, 51 x 51 Inches, Traditional Mata Ni Pachedi. Explore Artwork.

Take Phad and Mata ni Pachedi, vibrant narrative scrolls depicting deities and heroic tales. Here, the canvas is often a simple yet sturdy cotton cloth. Its natural texture adds a rustic charm, mirroring the earthy essence of the stories depicted. The cotton absorbs the natural pigments, creating a harmonious blend of material and color. However, the process of preparing these pieces of cloth is long and arduous often bordering on ceremonial to convey the cloth with the gravity appropriate for the stories they hold.

‘Dharatari: The Earth Goddess’ by Anil Vangad, Cow Dung and Acrylic Colors on Cloth, 39 x 55 Inches, Contemporary Warli, Maharashtra. Explore Artwork.

Similarly, Warli art, known for its intricate mythological narratives, traditionally found its canvas on the very walls of homes. Mud walls, coated with a layer of cow dung and polished smooth, offered a natural canvas. This readily available material fostered a deep connection between the art and the domestic space. The artists, often women, could readily transform their homes into vibrant expressions of faith and tradition. This dissolution of the barriers between the home sphere and artwork allows for a new perspective on art that is often missing from the idea of museums and formal art spaces.

‘Shrinath Swaroop’, Natural Stone Pigments and Block Print on Cotton Cloth, 33 x 57 Inches, Early 19th Century, Antique Pichwai, Rajasthan. Explore Artwork.

These examples showcase how the choice of canvas wasn't merely practical. It served a deeper purpose. The familiar texture of cotton in Pichwai paintings grounded the celestial figures in a relatable reality. The mud walls in Warli art blurred the line between artwork and everyday life, making the divine an ever-present part of the home.

‘Ganesha Janani’ by Anwar Chitrakar, Natural Stone Pigments on Paper, 22 x 28 Inches, Contemporary Kalighat, West Bengal. Explore Artwork.

By understanding these materials that allow for creation, we gain a richer appreciation for traditional art forms. The canvas becomes more than a background; it becomes a participant in the narrative, whispering tales of tradition and cultural significance.