Folk & Tribal Art
In December 2001, the township got enriched
by the visit of two Indian artists: Kalyan Joshi hailing from Rajasthan
doing 'Phad' paintings and Dilip of from Maharashtra doing 'Warli'.
They visited Auroville for a week and painted many walls in the township
on commission.
Indian Folk and Tribal Art
In a vast country as India it is but natural that
there is a great variety of folk and tribal art. Some of the major styles
of these art forms are known as:
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'Phad' from Rajasthan,
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'Warli' from Maharashtra,
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'Pithora' from Gujarat,
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'Chittara' from Karnataka,
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'Patua' from West Bengal, and
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'Madubani' from Bihar.
Phad
In a 'Phad' painting colour, costume and culture
are reflected in colours that are vegetable dyes which the artist himself
prepares. The paintings have a mythlogical meaning and usually depict
the story of Pabuji, a 
Rajput revered for his deeds. Done usually in scrolls of 30 feet long,
they show Pabuji's victory and the life style of his time. The colours
are done on an off-white background used in a fixed order starting from
orange-yellow to brown, green, red and finally black. White is merely
used for decoration.
Warli
An innate simplicity marks 'Warli' art which is
quite popular right now. It's done with rice paste on walls coated with
cow dung. Stick figures come energetically to life when 'Warli' artists
from Maharashtra get to work. Typically these paintings show a multitude
of tiny human forms, hunting, dancing or cultivating the land.
'Warli' art has always been appreciated in Auroville with the Auroville
Press developing a line of stationary with 'Warli'-based designs. Also
on our website we have used some of this art forum in the section on Auroville's
bio-region.
Auroville transformed..
Madhyam, an organisation from Bangalore, brought
a presentation of these various art forms to Auroville and was also instrumental
in bringing Kalyan Joshi Dilip here. They painted many walls using acrylic
colours and it was an absolute joy to see them at work, and also to now
see their work.
'Phad' paintings were done at Athithi Griha
guesthouse in Bharat Nivas, the Kindergarten in the Centre of the town,
Halcyon at the beach, Dharmesh's house at Petite Ferme as well as a temple
wall in Alankuppam.
'Warli' paintings emerged at the above places as well, and also at Patrick's
at Fertile East, Michel's pottery at Dana, Samasti Guest House, Udavi
School and Kuilapalayam School.
Take a look next time you're here!
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