Art
Meet Krishna Chandran, The Artist Who Is Creating Quirky Indian Portraits
Drawing satirical sketches of Indian portraits combined with witty backstories, Krishna Chandran A. Nair, a Kerala-born artist, based out of Paris, is splitting our sides with laughter through his extraordinary pieces of art
Text credits: Lakshmi Priya
Take a moment to recall if you have come across any of these people in your life – a maid who thinks it’s fine to steal once in a while, a beautician boasting about her inexplicable talent of creating beauty wonders on women, an artist at a tea shop who blabbers about the socio-political scenario of the country (even if he doesn’t have any idea about it). You might be nodding a ‘yes’ as these are some of the people we encounter each day. Krishna Chandran A. Nair – artist, director, and animator from Kerala, currently based out of Paris with his canvas and oil pastels, is creating sarcastic yet relatable Indian portraits of these everyday faces on Instagram. As a topping for his creativity, his witty and hilariously cooked up backstories can make anyone’s stomach hurt with laughter.
In the process of sculpting an artist in Krishna, his family’s role was the most significant. He grew up in an environment where he was always encouraged to draw. “My father got me my first set of crayons and my mother saved all my random scribbles from then”, he says. Later, Krishna was enrolled in drawing classes where he learnt to use watercolours. “I used to love getting lost in my thoughts while sketching. During my childhood, I participated in painting competitions in which I was not able to complete most of the creations on time because I would get extremely engrossed in drawing”.
In school, Krishna unintentionally learnt to use drawing as a tool to focus when he became restless. “During my English and Hindi classes, I drew small illustrations by the side of the textbooks like flipbook animations for the stories that the teacher read out. Later on, I started carving characters and objects out of chalks,” he says. Krishna went on to pursue Animation Film Design at the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, after which he specialised in Animation Film Direction at La Poudrière in France.
As Krishna started making films, he drew mostly for the projects that he was working on and almost forgot to draw mindlessly. So in an attempt to get back to doing something he enjoyed, Krishna started an Instagram series of Indian portraits. He started sketching random characters and cooked up stories right before putting them up on Instagram. He believes that the mind can surprise with new ideas when you let it wander. So he makes sure to draw with an empty mind, letting his thoughts wander as he scribbles and sees where it takes him. Most of the times, familiar faces come to his mind while the characters are evolving and he tries to incorporate those elements into his sketches. “I had fun doing this and it became a regular exercise. Being away from home you miss a lot of things, strangely including their imperfections. So these characters with their imperfections also became a way of staying in touch with my background,” he says.
Apart from Krishna’s witty sketches, the backstories of each portrait promise a dose of laughter. It is Krishna’s father K C Anilkumar who writes quirky and funny Malayalam stories based on the people he has encountered who influenced him to create humorous stories. Most of the tales Krishna formulates are informal and a way of expressing things that bother him and he feels sarcasm is a great tool to express it. As animation uses a lot of overstatement, Krishna tends to use the same in his accounts. “I try and push the level of exaggeration as much as possible to a great extent like one of my characters Kanakam, a house helper who has a habit of stealing ends up robbing her house owner’s son mistaking him for a pressure cooker. Everyone can relate to these sketches easily because the portraits look familiar and the stories easily relatable.”
The cartoons that came on Doordarshan, Cartoon Network, and Disney movies, and their VHS tapes/ CDs had a great influence in growing Krishna’s interest and ambition to be an animation filmmaker. He was also exposed to animation movies from Japan and European countries at NID. The works of Japanese studio 4°C, movies by Sylvain Chomet and animations by Glen Keane and Richard Williams have also inspired him. Closer home, Sekhar Mukherjee, his mentor at NID and Vaibhav Kumaresh whom he interned with was of great support to Krishna. The Malayalam films he grew up watching as well as the recent movies also motivate him to tell memorable anecdotes.
Currently, Krishna is working as the first assistant director on a series at a studio in Paris. Meanwhile, he is also developing his next short film which is his first attempt at a dark theme about a traumatic experience of a child in Kerala.
Art
Navratri 2024: Celebrating the Nine Colours and Their Significance
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.
Art
Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Indian Art: A Journey Through State-Wise Traditional Paintings
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)
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.
Art
The Microscopic Handbag Phenomenon: MSCHF’s Bold and Tiny Louis Vuitton Creation
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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