Art is a form of expression that utilizes cultural symbols. Drawings, sculptures, poems, books, and other forms of art are said to constitute the archive of a culture’s collective memory. What fact-based historical records miss, art captures the essence of what it was like to live in a certain era.
One such art style that we will discuss in today’s blog is madhubani. Currently one of the most popular art forms, it is mostly practiced by people from Nepal and Bihar, a state in northeastern India. Because the Madhubani paintings’ original painting technique came from an area named Mithila (now in Bihar, India), they are often referred to as Mithila art.
What is Madhubani painting ?
Folk art includes the works of Madhubani artists. The line drawings that depict Madhubani painting are vibrant, full of contrasts and patterns. This artwork was created with a variety of tools, including matchsticks, brushes, twigs, fingertips, and nib pens, using natural dyes and pigments. It is categorized by the striking geometric designs on it.
The Madhubani paintings depict festivals and ritualistic events like marriage and childbirth. The use of vibrant earthy colors and tribal themes make Madhubani paintings instantly recognizable and well-known. The mineral pigments used in the drawings were created by the artists. Paintings in Madhubani are best done on mud or freshly plastered walls.
Currently, the art is being done for commercial purposes on paper, canvas, fabric, etc.
The Madhubani Art Form’s History:
It is believed that Madhubani paintings have existed since the Ramayana period, which was roughly 2500 years ago. In the eighth or seventh century BCE, King Janaka of Mithila Kingdom asked an artist to depict his daughter Sita’s marriage to Prince Rama. Since then, people have painted Madhubani scenes on the walls of their homes whenever a Mithila family celebrates a joyous occasion.
The painters’ interpretation of their works has been passed down through the centuries, from mothers to daughters, and constitutes their exclusive property. Girls start playing with paint and brushes at a young age.
The Kohbar, or the chamber in the house where the newlyweds spend after their wedding, is decorated at the very end. Although historically the women in the area have painted in this style, men are now joining in to meet the demand.
One of the most distinctive forms of folk art in the world is mithila painting, which was developed, preserved, and is currently being done by both men and women.
The creative manifestation of this art form is exquisite due to its selectiveness. This art was created on mud walls or soil grounds during auspicious days in the past, and it was immediately removed the next day. And for this reason, there is no preservation of these masterpieces.
Although this art form’s origins are in ancient India during the Ramayana period, as suggested by popular oral tradition, it underwent various historical phases during the mediaeval period, during which very little is known about its past.
When a significant earthquake struck Bihar in 1934, the painting known as Mithila or Bhitti Chitra (also known as Graffiti) was found. While assessing the earthquake’s damage, William G. Archer, the British Colonial officer assigned to the Madhubani district, noticed these paintings on the inside walls of the homes.
In Madhubani art, themes and color patterns include:
In essence, the paintings are motivated by spirituality. Fertility and passion are the main themes in both photos. They are made in designated places within the house, like the bridal room, prayer room, ceremony place, or the major walls of the town to welcome guests, etc. The nature and mythology sketches are modified and customized based on the theme of each region and the particular artist. The most popular topics and techniques include bridal scenes and other social events, the monkey, the sun, the moon, the vine of Tulasi (Basil), the Deep (a traditional light formed of soil, a mark of a quiet life), and episodes of Hindu deities and their sacred writings.
Before starting the craft, women offer prayers to the gods in order to have their favor accompanied in their rituals or desires. For its rendition, a bamboo stick with cotton wrapped around it serves as a brush. It is the artists who manually process the extra colors. The colors black, yellow, and blue are made from combining blight and cow dung; the colors red, green, and orange come from mixing curcuma and Banyan leaf milk; the blue color comes from indigo; the red color is from the Kusum (Ceylon oak) flower; the white color is from rice powder; and the orange color is from the Palash (Bastard teak) flower.
The paintings on mud walls were explicitly connected to Hindu mythology and a true depiction of it, not a symbolic mirror of the epic stories. The realistic and authentic depiction of daily life, which featured a strong sense of interconnectedness between people, was what gave rise to the popularity of this work. Additionally, there were strong connections to the use of color to symbolize religious principles and optimism for their future.
Were you aware? A forest was spared from destruction thanks to the Madhubani art form!
Approximately one hundred trees were painted in the Madhubani style in 2012.
This program was created by Shashthi Nath Jha, the owner of the non-governmental organization Gram Vikas Parishad, to conserve trees that were being cut down to make way for wider roadways. This strategy worked well for educating the people about its effects, including global warming and climate change.
Fascinating, huh? What’s more astonishing is that, despite the campaign’s high cost, not a single tree was felled—instead, the villagers utilized synthetic paint to extend the artwork’s lifespan. The main explanation for this is that myths, gods, and other heavenly and philosophical imagery were painted on the trees. This inspired reverence and deterred the trees’ eradication.
Madhubani painting Moderns:
When a visiting foreign artist was drawn to the Madhubani paintings in 1962 CE, the works became commercially viable. In order for him to bring and display the drawings in his own nation, he persuaded ladies to paint the identical sketches on canvases. The design was a huge hit, and Madhubani’s paintings began to be sold commercially. Since then, the arts have changed in a number of ways.
International art enthusiasts have developed a special interest in India’s rural tourism and heritage, and the popularity of Madhubani paintings has exploded outside of Mithila. Worldwide, Madhubani paintings are popular, particularly in nations like the US, Germany, France, and Japan.
You can also create some stunning Madhubani paintings by drawing inspiration from this elegant and contemplative art form.
// Here is a list of the art supplies you’ll need before you get started:
1. Oil and Acrylic Paints
An excellent source of oil and acrylic paints with more intense pigment is King’s Framing & Art Gallery. Get them at fantastic savings. The greatest brands of oil paints are those like M. Graham, Sennelier, Gamblin, Lukas, Winsor & Newton, and Artisan Water Mixable. Conversely, some of the top acrylic paint brands are Jacquard Lumière, Liquitex Professional, M Graham Professional, and Pébéo Acrylic Paints.
2. Bristles
A mystical wand to craft amazing works of art. Visit King’s Framing & Gallery to purchase brushes. Among the brands you must have are Connoisseur Acrylic & Oil Paintbrushes, Art-pro Multimedia Brushes & Sets, Dynasty Acrylic and Oil Paintbrushes & Sets, and Silver Brushes Acrylic & Oil Sets!
3. Shine
While letting your masterpiece shine, keep it safe from any unwelcome influences. And the best varnish is required for that. Visit King’s Framing & Art Gallery to purchase varnish!
Handmade Pads / Sheets of Paper/Canvas
Get canva pads and sheets for Madhubani art from companies like Pro Art Real Canvas Pads, Art Alternative Canvas Pad Assortment, and Pro Art Real Canvas Pads.
4. Panels, Art Boards, and Canvas
When it comes to canvas, panels, and art boards, some of the best-selling brands are Winsor Newton Cotton & Linen Canvas, Art Advantage, and Jack Risheson Cotton.
5. Eraser, pencil, and other standard drawing implements
This month, King’s Framing & Art Gallery is offering the greatest prices on a variety of drawing materials!
We hope you enjoyed our blog and will continue to use the Madhubani paintings to explore your creative side. Enjoy your shopping!
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