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A Handy Guide On How To Buy Art

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FWD Life A Handy Guide On How To Buy Art (1)

Embrace the notion for “Art for art’s sake” with this handy guide on acquiring the right art work to elevate your living experience

Text: Padmaja Nagarur   Photos: Art Flute

If you are someone who has always been fascinated with art, artists and perhaps even toyed with the idea of buying art before dismissing it, this guide is for you. While the art world, with its wine and cheese openings, staggering prices, and baffling art-speak, might seem like a difficult world to enter, this guide will reassure you that it is not out of reach. Here is a handy guide to get you started on what’s sure to become a lifelong affair with art.

Answer the ‘why’ and then test the grounds

If you’re a complete art newbie, begin by first asking yourself why art draws you. Do you want to become a collector and explore the possibility of finding up-and-coming artists whose work could appreciate in value? Or is art a way to make a statement in your home? If it is latter, explore your taste by visiting as many galleries and museums as you can. While it may seem that art trends online are a good barometer for what to buy, they may not always be accurate and it is always good to take time to research artists whose work you like and own your choice completely. If you don’t want to invest in a big-name artist right away and have found a piece by a relatively new artist that you like, do your research. Check out his other works and see how the artist’s work has evolved. Galleries and art dealers could tell you how the value of his art has appreciated and tracking his exhibitions and shows can give you an idea of his works.

FWD Life A Handy Guide On How To Buy Art (2)

Art as decoration v/s Art as personal expression

Choosing art that goes with a particular wall and your furniture would involve looking at texture and colours and matching or contrasting them. Also, keep in mind the ambience that you want to create for the room and pick art that helps evoke it. You could also choose an artwork because you feel it expresses a side of you. This would translate to the artwork becoming the centre around which the other elements in the room revolve. Choose appropriately depending on what your goal is.

Curated, online galleries

If you are intimidated by the idea of walking into galleries and are overwhelmed by choice, browse through curated online galleries that give you the freedom to browse art right from your home while ensuring that the art that you buy is of a high standard. Expert art curators put together paintings from upcoming and established artists and these collections are a great way to find an artwork that you love. Art fairs take place in every major city and are packed with art in various styles and from new artists to established ones.

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Budget

When buying your first piece of art, remember that great art can be purchased at diverse price points, from a few thousands to lakhs. Even if you choose to buy a print, choose a limited edition print which means that the artist or gallery has set a limit on the number of prints that are going to be made for a particular artwork, increasing its exclusivity. And make sure that it is authenticated by the artist.

When it comes to original artworks, check for payment plans and do set aside a budget for your first piece of art. If you are looking to buy art for a specific space, another determinate would be the size of the wall. Since the size of the painting depends on the space you’ve earmarked, the budget will change accordingly.

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Make A Connection

Once you have found a piece of art that you like, you might wonder if your choice is the ‘right’ one or whether it truly is art. Instead, ask yourself what you like about the piece of art? Is it the colours, the mood, the size or the emotion it evokes in you? Whatever the piece, take your time and when you’re sure it resonates with the person that you are, go ahead.

The writer Blake Morrison has said, ‘Art can do many things: entertain, instruct, console, inspire, enrage, transform. It teaches us things we can’t be taught in any other way and makes us see things we wouldn’t otherwise see. It allows us the illusion of escaping our daily lives while simultaneously taking us deeper inside ourselves.’

Isn’t it time you started experiencing this yourself?

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Navratri 2024: Celebrating the Nine Colours and Their Significance

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Navratri, the festival that spans nine nights, is one of the most auspicious and widely celebrated festivals in India. Dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine forms, each day of Navratri holds special significance, marked by a distinct color that carries deep spiritual and cultural meaning. As we prepare for Navratri 2024, let’s explore the nine colors associated with each day, their significance, and how they inspire devotion, positivity, and harmony.

Day 1: Yellow

On Thursday, embrace the uplifting energy of yellow as you celebrate Navratri with optimism and joy. This warm and cheerful color symbolizes happiness and radiates positivity, keeping you in high spirits throughout the day.

Day 2: Green

On Friday, wear green, a color that represents nature, growth, and harmony. It evokes a sense of peace and serenity, while also symbolizing new beginnings. Let the vibrant energy of green invite tranquility and the blessings of the Goddess into your life.

Day 3: Grey

Saturday calls for the subtle sophistication of grey. This balanced color keeps you grounded and calm, symbolizing composure and understated elegance. It’s perfect for those who want to participate in Navratri with grace while making a refined style statement.

Day 4: Orange

On Sunday, adorn yourself in the vibrant hue of orange. This color embodies warmth, exuberance, and positivity. Wearing orange during Navratri invokes an upbeat energy, bringing vitality and a lively spirit to your celebrations.

Day 5: White

Start your Monday with the purity and serenity of white. Associated with innocence and spiritual clarity, this color invites inner peace and helps you connect with the divine blessings of the Goddess, offering a sense of security and calm.

Day 6: Red

On Tuesday, red takes center stage, symbolizing passion, love, and strength. As one of the most auspicious colors, red is often offered to the Goddess in the form of a Chunri. Wearing red fills you with energy, vigor, and the vibrant spirit of Navratri.

Day 7: Royal Blue

Wednesday’s color is royal blue, representing elegance, richness, and tranquility. This deep, vivid shade of blue exudes confidence and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for those who want to celebrate Navratri with style and grace.

Day 8: Pink

On Thursday, don the charming hue of pink, a symbol of universal love, affection, and harmony. Pink is a color that adds a soft touch of warmth and approachability, making it perfect for creating a loving and joyful atmosphere during the festivities.

Day 9: Purple

On the final day of Navratri, purple takes the spotlight. Associated with luxury, nobility, and grandeur, purple invites opulence into your life. Wearing this regal color while worshipping Navdurga bestows blessings of prosperity and richness, making it the perfect way to end your Navratri celebrations.

 

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Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Indian Art: A Journey Through State-Wise Traditional Paintings

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India’s artistic heritage is a vibrant mosaic, reflecting the diverse cultural traditions of its states. Each region has its unique style of painting, with techniques and themes passed down through generations. Let’s delve into some of the most iconic traditional paintings from different states of India.

1. Madhubani Painting (Bihar)

Originating from the Mithila region of Bihar, Madhubani painting is known for its intricate patterns, bold colors, and themes inspired by nature, mythology, and folk tales. Traditionally, these paintings were done on mud walls, but now they are also created on cloth, handmade paper, and canvas.

Distinctive Features: Use of natural dyes, double outlines, geometrical patterns, and motifs like flowers, animals, and deities.

2. Pattachitra (Odisha and West Bengal)

umaid art

Pattachitra, meaning ‘cloth painting,’ is an ancient art form from Odisha and West Bengal. These paintings depict mythological narratives, especially around Lord Jagannath, and are characterized by their intricate details and mythological themes.

Distinctive Features: Fine detailing, elaborate borders, vibrant use of colors, and the use of natural ingredients for dyes.

3. Warli Art (Maharashtra)

Warli art is a form of tribal painting from Maharashtra, traditionally done by the Warli tribe. It primarily uses white pigment on a mud base to depict daily activities, such as farming, hunting, and dancing, in a minimalistic yet expressive manner.

Distinctive Features: Simple geometric shapes like circles, triangles, and squares, which represent different elements of nature and human life.

4. Tanjore Painting (Tamil Nadu)

Tanjore (or Thanjavur) paintings, originating from Tamil Nadu, are known for their rich colors, surface richness, compact composition, and use of gold foil. They often depict Hindu gods and goddesses, with a focus on Lord Krishna and other deities.

Distinctive Features: Use of vibrant colors, gold leaf, and inlay work with semi-precious stones on wooden boards.

5. Pichwai Painting (Rajasthan)

Pichwai paintings, hailing from Rajasthan, are intricate paintings that portray the life of Lord Krishna, especially in the Nathdwara temple. These paintings are traditionally done on cloth and used as wall hangings behind the deity in temples.

Distinctive Features: Detailed depiction of Lord Krishna’s life, use of bright colors, and the portrayal of various scenes from the Bhagavad Purana.

6. Phad Painting (Rajasthan)

Phad painting is a narrative scroll painting from Rajasthan, where the stories of folk deities like Pabuji and Devnarayan are depicted. The paintings are done on long pieces of cloth and are used in religious storytelling.

Distinctive Features: Bold lines, earthy colors, and the depiction of deities and their exploits.

7. Kalamkari (Andhra Pradesh)

Kalamkari, literally meaning ‘pen work,’ is an art form from Andhra Pradesh that involves hand-painting or block printing on fabric. The themes are largely mythological, with stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata being common subjects.

Distinctive Features: Intricate handwork, natural dyes, and a distinctive color palette dominated by earthy tones.

8. Pithora Painting (Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh)

Pithora paintings, created by the Rathwa and Bhilala tribes of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, are done on the walls of their houses. These paintings are part of a ritual to invite the gods and ensure prosperity and happiness.

Distinctive Features: Vibrant colors, ritualistic significance, and the depiction of gods, animals, and scenes from daily life.

9. Chitrakathi Painting (Maharashtra)

Chitrakathi is a traditional art form from the Maharashtra-Karnataka border, where paintings are used as visual aids in storytelling. These paintings often accompany performances that narrate stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Distinctive Features: Simple yet expressive figures, use of natural colors, and the narrative style.

10. Saura Art (Odisha)

Saura art is a form of mural painting by the Saura tribe of Odisha. It is similar to Warli art but has its unique elements, depicting the tribe’s daily activities, rituals, and deities.

Distinctive Features: Monochrome palette, linear style, and the depiction of nature and community life.

The diverse painting styles of India offer a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage. Each state’s art form is a testament to the creativity and traditions that have been nurtured for centuries. By exploring these traditional paintings, we not only appreciate their beauty but also connect with the stories and values that have shaped India’s cultural landscape.

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The Microscopic Handbag Phenomenon: MSCHF’s Bold and Tiny Louis Vuitton Creation

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In the realm of fashion, innovation knows no bounds, and the boundary-pushing collective known as MSCHF constantly proves this point. Their latest creation, a microscopic handbag inspired by Louis Vuitton, has taken the industry by storm, captivating fashion enthusiasts around the globe. Breaking free from traditional size constraints and redefining functionality, this miniature accessory has ignited curiosity and sparked a sensation. Join us as we delve into the extraordinary world of MSCHF’s microscopic handbag, exploring its origins, unique features, and the remarkable buzz it has generated.

MSCHF, renowned for their unconventional and thought-provoking projects, partnered with luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton to unleash a game-changing collaboration. Together, they birthed a surprising twist on the classic handbag, pushing the boundaries of scale to an entirely new level. The microscopic handbag challenges the norm and introduces an audacious new concept.

Measuring a mere 1.5 inches in height, the microscopic handbag is a masterpiece of miniaturization. This whimsical accessory captures the essence of a traditional Louis Vuitton purse, complete with the iconic monogram pattern and signature leather trim. Despite its minuscule size, it exudes luxury and craftsmanship, embodying the brand’s prestige and aesthetic.

The MSCHF microscopic handbag represents a captivating fusion of fashion and art. It blurs the lines between these creative realms and prompts us to question our perception of material possessions. Through this micro-sized wonder, MSCHF challenges our understanding of fashion’s role in society and invites us to contemplate the value we attach to material goods.

Since its introduction, the microscopic handbag has caused a viral sensation across social media platforms. Its diminutive size and unexpected collaboration have captivated fashion enthusiasts and sparked intriguing discussions. This extraordinary creation serves as a catalyst for conversations about fashion trends, the power of satire in design, and the evolving landscape of the industry. Once again, MSCHF has successfully captured the attention of the fashion world, pushing boundaries and reshaping our perception of what is considered fashionable.

MSCHF has cemented its legacy as a disruptive force in the fashion and art realms. Their innovative and thought-provoking projects consistently challenge norms and captivate audiences. With the microscopic handbag, they have once again showcased their ability to generate intrigue, spark conversations, and inspire wonder within the industry.

In conclusion, the MSCHF microscopic handbag stands as a testament to bold creativity and audacity in the world of fashion. Its tiny size and unexpected collaboration with Louis Vuitton have shattered conventional handbag design and ignited curiosity on a global scale. This extraordinary creation not only exemplifies the artistry and innovation of MSCHF but also invites us to reflect on the ever-evolving nature of fashion and its profound impact on our collective imagination. As we eagerly anticipate MSCHF’s next groundbreaking venture, one thing is certain: they will continue to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in the world of fashion.

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