What is Kalamkari painting? Kalamkari is an art form that originated in India and people have been giving immense value to it for hundreds of years. This is a special form of painting done on cotton or silk cloth with natural dyes using a pen made out of bamboo called as kalam to work the details. Having its roots in the southern states of India, mainly Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Kalamkari is more than merely art – it’s pastoral history, tradition, and chronicles mixed with temples and paintings, moving from being a wall art to home décor.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the essence of Kalamkari painting, exploring its origins, styles, and the painstaking process that brings these artworks to life.
Brief Overview of Kalamkari Art
In addition, the Kalamkari painting is an Indian art that has been practiced for many years, where paintings and designs are painted by hand on fabric. Kalamkari is a traditional technique of painting which has its roots in the south Indian States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Kalam kari means storytelling through the paintings wherein are used to depict the scenes from Mahabharata, Ramayana or Bhagavatam. Originally, this devised as backdrops in temples and employing religious art and meaning to portray divine stories through colors and patterns.
Historical Origins
The birthplace of Kalamkari is said to be Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as the OHM artisans are believed to have been doing this work for centuries. In its traditional form, what is Kalamkari painting if not a beautiful manifestation of the country’s religious genesis? Artwork was initially employed in the representations of temple ceremonies and as settings for sacred stories. Some of the initial uses were making of scrolls that depicted episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata which was used by pandits in temples narrating stories. This was a type of religious worship trend as well as an effort in telling cultural chronicles of gods and heroes.
Meaning of Kalamkari
The literal meaning of word Kalamkari is ‘Pen work’. But what is Kalamkari painting in its real sense? In its broad sense, Animation is not just an art, it also becomes an avenue for telling stories. The art was traditionally drawn by making outlines with a special pens made of bamboo, and afterwards coloring it in with natural paints. The etymology of the word itself corresponds to the significance of the loom in ancient Indian culture of the artisans who utilised this method to depict sections from mythology and religion.
Styles of Kalamkari Art
Kalamkari art is primarily categorized into two distinct styles:
Srikalahasti Style
The Srikalahasti Style of Kalamkari is well famous of its intricate hand drawn motifs. The artists first employ charcoal sticks to trace the images and then detail the images with a bamboo pen. Of the three mentioned artistic styles it is filled up with a highly narrative, often with mythological and/or religious motifs painted in vivid colors.
Machilipatnam Style
However the Machilipatnam Style utilizes a different method called block printing which involves using wooden stamps to dye the fabric with certain patterns. Nearly appearing mechanical in its symmetry and the uniformity of the motifs which characterize its style, this method stands in contrast to the flowing Srikalahasti Style.
Motifs and Themes in Kalamkari
Kalamkari paintings are rich in symbolism and often feature: Kalamkari paintings are rich in symbolism and often feature:
- Tree of Life: They are the nature motifs of the unity of life and wood which implies growth and life.
- Animals and Birds: Vivid illustrations also represent main motifs of the site for which most frequently used symbols are peacocks, tigers and deer.
- Mythological and Religious Scenes: Hindu epics are depicted in paintings and the gallery is still decorated with different paintings which depict different deities as well as different events that happened during their lifetime.
Kalamkari Creation Process
The creation of Kalamkari art involves a meticulous 23-step process:
- Preparation Stage: There is fabric preparation which involves bleaching, softening a fabric, and even stretching it to the sun for drying
- Drawing Stage: Main drawings are done by the artists using charcoal sticks while the detailed works are done using a bamboo pen (kalam).
- Dyeing Stage: Natural dyes are applied several times, without mixing them with other dyed materials while washing the material to ensure that each color is properly and beautifully created without interference with the others.
- Final Steps: This piece of artwork is then set and cleaned so as to retain the quality of the colors used in the creation of the artwork.
Materials and Tools Used
- Cotton Cloth: The fabric must be of good quality so as to withstand the kind of artwork that will be displayed and also retain its quality for a long time.
- Natural Dyes: Direct natural dyes which include indigo, turmeric and rice powder is employed in the process to produce excellent colors.
- Bamboo Pen (Kalam): The instrument used mainly in Kalamkari painting is the bamboo pen which is very important for fine work.
Famous Kalamkari Artists
- Lakshmaiah: an innovative artist who has had great impact towards the Kalamkari art work the art works of this artist have been displayed in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
- Contemporary Artists: Contemporary artists adhere and build up to this tradition and therefore the tradition remains alive in the contemporary art world.
Current Practice and Preservation
Despite a decline in traditional practice, efforts are being made to preserve Kalamkari art. Organizations like Laasya Art support artists and promote this ancient craft, ensuring that it continues to thrive and inspire new generations.
In conclusion, what is Kalamkari painting if not a window into India’s cultural and spiritual heritage? This art form has survived centuries, transitioning from the walls of temples to the modern homes of art enthusiasts. Its intricate designs and natural dyes make it a sustainable, eco-friendly choice for those who appreciate traditional Indian art. By supporting Kalamkari artisans and appreciating their work, we can help preserve this ancient art form for future generations.
Explore our curated collection of Kalamkari art pieces at Saanskrityam Handicrafts, where tradition meets modernity. Embrace the beauty of ancient Indian art in your home and support the artisans who keep this craft alive.
Also read:- Madhubani Painting: The Story, Themes, and Techniques of a Timeless Art
FAQs
What is the Specialty of Kalamkari?
What makes Kalamkari unique is the work of art that has been hand painted or block printed in natural dyes. The art form in India especially relates to mythology, nature and spiritual aspects. It is notable for having bio-degradable materials such as plant natural dyes as well as producing intricate designs with bamboo pens known as ‘kalams’; it is environmentally friendly as well as culturally relevant.
What are the 10 Steps of Kalamkari Painting?
The 10 steps of Kalamkari include:
- Washing the fabric to remove impurities.
- Bleaching the fabric to soften it.
- Soaking the cloth in buffalo milk and drying.
- Drawing the outlines with charcoal.
- Applying the detailed design with a bamboo pen.
- Applying mordants to fix colors.
- Adding colors in stages using natural dyes.
- Repeated washing and drying between colors.
- Boiling to fix the colors.
- Final washing and drying to complete the painting.
Who is the Famous Artist of Kalamkari Painting?
The famous artist of Kalamkari is Lakshmaiah and his works have reached worldwide now and some of them are currently exhibited in the Victoria and Albert Museum. He made a valuable contribution towards its rejuvenation and its recognition in different parts of the world.
What Does Kalamkari Mean in History?
Originally, Kalamkari literally stands for “pen work”, which is derived from Persian term kalam that means pen and kari stands for craftsmanship. As a form of art, it has its roots in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and was previously employed in illustrating religious narrative from the Hindu epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana that are found on the temple walls and fabrics.
How to Identify Kalamkari Painting?
A Kalamkari painting can be explained by the pattern of the drawings done by hand and most are related to mythological themes, animals and trees and the fact that natural dyes are used. The fine lines produced by a bamboo pen and the use of natural colours such as indigo, turmeric, and pomegranate set aside original Kalamkari.
