Waswo X. Waswo and Rajesh Soni, Gauri Dancers, 2021,
Reviving Tradition: Contemporary Indian Artists Who Draw on Ancient Techniques
In the vibrant tapestry of Indian art, a fascinating trend has emerged where contemporary artists are drawing on ancient techniques to create works that are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. This fusion of old and new not only pays homage to India’s rich cultural heritage but also redefines it for modern audiences. Artists are increasingly looking to traditional methods, such as miniature painting, textile arts, and folk art forms, to inform their contemporary practices. By integrating these techniques with modern materials and concepts, they create a unique blend that honours the past while addressing present-day themes and concerns. This approach not only revitalises traditional practices but also ensures their relevance in a rapidly changing world.
This dynamic dialogue between the past and the present is exemplified in the works of several contemporary Indian artists who skillfully blend traditional techniques with contemporary sensibilities. These artists produce art that resonates on multiple levels, appealing to both connoisseurs of classical forms and enthusiasts of modern innovation. Their works often explore themes such as identity, memory, and cultural continuity, offering fresh perspectives on age-old narratives. By breathing new life into time-honoured practices, they create pieces that are visually striking and conceptually rich, fostering a deeper appreciation for India's artistic heritage. This interplay between tradition and modernity not only enriches the Indian art scene but also positions it as a significant force in the global contemporary art landscape.
Miniature painting, a practice that dates back to the Mughal era, has found a renewed voice in the works of contemporary artists like Waswo X. Waswo. Waswo, an American-born artist who has made India his home, collaborates with Rajasthani miniature painters to create works that blend Western portraiture with traditional Indian styles. His series ‘Gauri Dancers’ (2017) showcases intricate details and vibrant colours, capturing the essence of traditional miniature techniques while presenting contemporary themes and narratives.
The Gauri Dance of Mewar is a centuries-old performance art among Rajasthan's tribal communities, featuring male dancers in feminine attire portraying female characters and deities. These troupes travel between villages, performing stories from folk tales and religious texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Puranas. While largely unknown outside Mewar, it is cherished within rural communities. Photographer Waswo X. Waswo documented this tradition through digitally shot studio photographs, hand-painted by artist Rajesh Soni, capturing the essence of this cultural practice.
Lavanya Mani, a contemporary Indian artist, has garnered acclaim for her innovative use of Kalamkari, a traditional Indian art form known for its intricate hand-painted or block-printed textile designs. One of her notable artworks, ‘Travellers Tales Blueprint’ (2014), exemplifies her unique approach. In this piece, Mani employs Kalamkari to delve into themes of migration, identity, and displacement, embedding contemporary narratives into traditional motifs. Her work seamlessly blends ancient techniques with modern themes, creating pieces that are both visually captivating and culturally significant. Mani's use of Kalamkari not only highlights the versatility of this traditional craft but also elevates it as a medium for contemporary artistic expression
Kalamkari is a traditional Indian art form involving hand-painting or block-printing on fabric. The process begins by soaking the fabric in a cow dung and bleach solution, and then sun-drying it. It is then treated with natural mordants to fix the dyes. Intricate designs are drawn using a sharp bamboo stick dipped in fermented jaggery and water. The fabric is dyed multiple times with natural dyes from plants, roots, and minerals, with each colour applied separately and followed by specific treatments and washes. Finally, the fabric is often treated in an alizarin bath to achieve vibrant, deep colours.
Today, artists like Lavanya Mani revitalise Kalamkari by infusing it with contemporary relevance, ensuring that this traditional technique continues to be appreciated and celebrated in the global art scene.
Raqib Shaw, From Narcissus to Icarus (After Déjeuner sur l’herbe), 2017-2019 Image Credit: https://www.pacegallery.com/artists/raqib-shaw/
Raqib Shaw stands out among these artists for his intricate paintings influenced by Persian miniatures and Indian Pichhwai paintings. Shaw employs enamel paints applied with a porcupine quill, reminiscent of traditional Kashmiri and Mughal craftsmanship. This meticulous technique allows him to create elaborate landscapes teeming with mythological creatures and ornate patterns. His artworks are known for their rich detail and vibrant colours, blending cultural references and fantastical imagery to evoke a sense of otherworldly beauty and narrative depth.
Raqib Shaw's work reveals an eclectic fusion of influences—from Persian carpets and Northern Renaissance painting to industrial materials and Japanese lacquerware—and is often developed in series inspired by literary, art historical, and mystical sources. This approach not only showcases Shaw's versatility but also underscores his ability to reinterpret ancient techniques within a contemporary context, offering viewers a multi-layered experience that bridges diverse cultural and artistic traditions.
Next, In her autobiographical series, artist Reena Kallat explores themes of memory and maternal influence through poignant reflections on her late mother. Kallat reveals that her connection to her mother, who passed away when she was just eight years old, revolves around the personal artefacts left behind: handmade objects, photo albums, and cherished stories recounted by family members. She recounts spending her childhood immersed in her mother’s belongings, such as sarees and personal effects, often retrieving them from closed cupboards to contemplate or even try on.
Reena Saini Kallat, Walls of the womb, 2007 | Installation view, Hangar Bicocca, Milan. Image Credit: https://reenakallat.com/walls-of-the-womb-2007/
Central to Kallat's artistic expression are sarees and recipes from her mother’s books, symbols laden with associations of nurturing and sustenance. The sarees, adorned with beautiful but illegible dotted patterns resembling braille script, metaphorically reflect Kallat’s fragmented memories and the enigmatic nature of her relationship with her mother. This artistic exploration using the tie-and-dye technique delves into the complexities of memory, identity, and the enduring influence of maternal bonds, offering a poignant narrative that resonates with personal and universal themes alike.
Savia Mahajan, Pillars of Creation, 2023 Image Credit: https://svasalife.com/amino-soup-the-start-and-end-of-everything/
Another work, namely, ‘Pillars of Creation’, is an extraordinary collaboration with Ashok Siju, a master artisan from the Vankar community in Bhujodi village, Kutch, renowned for his expertise in indigo dyeing. This intricate craft involves the meticulous fermentation of indigo vats in underground settings, where the distinctive blue "amino soup" forms through bacterial processes over time. The artist's work uniquely converges two ancient techniques: the creation of clay pots, tiles, and bricks, reflecting human craftsmanship, and the liquid art of indigo dyeing, a tradition dating back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. Together, these millennia-old practices blend seamlessly in the creation of ‘Pillars of Creation.’
Savia, in collaboration with master dyer Ashok Siju, utilises the traditional method of tasting and smelling indigo to monitor its condition. This practice, which involves checking the pH levels of the naturally fermenting indigo vat without any equipment, relies on the sensory awareness of sight, taste, and smell to ensure the vat's optimal state.
This artwork, like all of Mahajan's work, symbolises the perpetual cycle of creation and destruction, illustrating the process of shedding old layers to emerge anew. It serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of artistic innovation and resilience, standing as a beacon of hope amidst the ever-changing currents of life.
The revival of traditional techniques by contemporary Indian artists underscores the enduring relevance and adaptability of these ancient art forms. By blending old and new, these artists create works that are not only aesthetically compelling but also culturally significant. This fusion showcases a deep respect for heritage while pushing the boundaries of creative expression. For instance, artists are revisiting techniques such as miniature painting, textile weaving, and folk art, integrating them with contemporary themes and materials. This approach results in a unique artistic language that bridges the past and present, offering a fresh perspective on traditional art forms. These artists demonstrate that tradition and modernity can coexist harmoniously, enriching each other in the process.
As contemporary Indian artists innovate within their traditions, they ensure that India's rich cultural heritage remains vibrant and dynamic. This continuous evolution of traditional techniques not only preserves these practices but also makes them relevant to modern audiences. The global art community has increasingly recognised this blend of ancient and contemporary, leading to greater international appreciation and understanding of Indian art. Exhibitions, collaborations, and art fairs worldwide feature these works, highlighting their significance. By maintaining this dialogue between the past and present, these artists foster a deeper cultural resonance and ensure that Indian art continues to thrive and inspire both at home and abroad.
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