Art
RITUAL THAT IS THEYYAM
A ritual that bridges the peasant, god, the dark and the divine, Theyyam is a frame that locks art with worship
Words by Likhitha P Nair Photographs from Midhun Vijayan
Year after year, they told him ‘The gods are here’. Among toys and neatly lined notebooks, a little rage that never left his blood longed to be one. But when the clamour closed in, fear was his closest ally.
His face reflected wrinkles from knowledge that refused to promise freedom. A god he has known, dipped in red and covered in palm leaves shared a skin with him. Half man, half skilled masquerader, he played roles that never met in the middle.
Were gods ever charmed by innocence? Dressed in silk gowns and crowns, maybe they were flying around the corners, laughing at the boy who came to make friends. The boy who would grow up to be a man of ordeal.
The trick is to not let them know. They believe, they need to and the celebrations need a reason. A certain calling that he never heard, but it was all in him, the power, the faith and the god himself.
The mystery of omnipotence that no one ever saw or touched weakened their steps. Sweat tumbling down their foreheads smudging a certain pretence hidden away. Their eyes met – the idol the generation bowed before for blessings, for a good harvest, for the village’s lost sons to return.
The deity who cured sickness and bore the weight of their hopes. Overworked bones and a wayward childhood was no match for an almighty. Yet, all eyes were on them, all prayers hung by their shoulders. Does god ever remember the bittersweet life of a man who tamed mud and cattle? Or that of a child with torn clothes and no money for after-school snacks? Those who made a man the ruler and another his bearer never knew whom god favoured. Or visited without excuses.
Every now and then, the man looked back at his spirit. The idol in a tiny dark room who welcomed reverence and request with a straight face. Many years ago, he was a child awaiting a miracle every time the percussion peaked. But now, he only looks at the mighty one with a certain painful apathy. Who is the god anyway?
He waits, as the myriads gather around him and the dilapidated drums let out raging roars. He waits for the miracle he has secretly nurtured for years. Eyes fixed on nothing, the boy in him wondered if his mates would fear him now. The nasty children who never shared their toys. No fire could burn him now. It was his initiation to the unknown, and faith was bliss.
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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