Top News

Every society's culture, stories, and ideals have always been best expressed via art. Even before galleries and art studios existed, early civilisations used vibrant stories and elaborate patterns to decorate their spaces. Such artistic manifestations, whether carving or painting on daily objects or temple walls, have undoubtedly persisted. They continue to inspire many current painters throughout the world who create murals or wall paintings. Let's look at five historic and unique art styles that impacted the way people thought about art all throughout the world.

Pattachitra: The Scroll Of Tradition

Pattachitra is a traditional art style of scroll painting that originated in Odisha, located in eastern India. The paintings are well-known for their rich, bright colour palettes, mythological storylines, and epic tales, particularly those involving Lord Jagannath and the Vaishnava cults. Modern painters combine Pattachitra's storytelling prowess and bold, yet delicate, figuration to create contemporary muralist works of art that connect the modern and ancient stories. Certainly, one can see how different hues and patterns are mixed to produce complex borders.

Warli: The Simplicity Of Stick Figures

The Warli tribe in western India possesses a simple yet gorgeous piece of folk art called Warli, which is distinguished by the use of basic geometric shapes such as circles, triangles, and squares, all portrayed in a monochromatic simplicity. These shapes merge to create visuals depicting people's daily lives, rituals, and nature. Warli art is created using white pigment derived from rice paste and is usually painted on mud walls in homes to celebrate the harmony that exists between nature and mankind. The rhythmic patterns, along with the rustic yet elegant charm, provide modern interiors in homes and public places a sophisticated allure. Today's artists adore the use of elemental shapes to highlight exquisite details in Warli art, making it a valuable source of inspiration.

Madhubani: The Art Of Auspiciousness

Madhubani, also known as Mithila art, originates in Bihar, India. Women used to produce this vivid and detailed art form on freshly plastered mud walls and floors in their homes during festivals and other auspicious occasions such as nuptials. Madhubani art is vibrantly coloured and meticulously detailed, as well as bright and cheerful—it depicts both nature and myth with images of fish, parrots, elephants, turtles, the sun, the moon, bamboo trees, and lotus. The capturing of life and spirituality is cherished, yet the eye-catching geometrical designs and interwoven double-line borders stand out. Today, it is much sought after as wall art, adding to the room's cultural depth while maintaining positive energy.

Tribal Rock And Wall Art: Voices Of The Ancestors

Indigenous peoples around the world have left significant impressions in the form of tribal rock and wall art. From Aboriginal art in Australia to diverse tribal art styles in India and Africa, one can find old images of traditional hunting, dance, spiritual beliefs, and other communal symbols. Murals inspired by tribal art transport the observer back to primordial prehistoric times while also honouring centuries-old knowledge. The raw energy, earthy palettes, and connection to natural settings bring tribal artwork to life, and they truly inspire awe in individuals who seek both beauty and cultural relevance in art.

Humanity's First Canvases

Ajanta-Ellora and Bhimbetka caves in India house some of humanity's oldest artefacts. The Bhimbetka rock shelters have received UNESCO recognition. This includes rock shelter paintings from the Mesolithic period. These murals depict moments of hunting, dancing, and everyday activities. Their later-period rivals, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, are brimming with Buddhist art treasures that flawlessly capture vivid colours, realistic figuration, and colourful spiritual stories. The style of early people was undeniably formed by vision and skill over time, and it experienced elemental preservation. Modern artists and muralists are captivated by the artworks' beauty, true-life inspiration, and eternal history, which are expertly integrated. The scale indelibly etched into history evokes a resounding, reverberating awe.

These art forms serve as a vital reminder of art's growth while also demonstrating the power to communicate throughout time. Wall art and murals, like the techniques and instruments used to create them, have undoubtedly evolved as a result of modern influences. However, underlying it all, there are still reasons why art should be created. People have an obvious need to sculpt, tell stories, and beautify everything around them, which will always exist, demonstrating the ingenuity of those who lived before us in the present.

The author, Mr. Rajesh Krishnan, is a Founder and Principal Designer.