Most Indian art forms are the visual expression of a particular sub-culture or community. By supporting the local art of a region, you can better understand historical and traditional characteristics of its people. India’s list of traditional arts include Warli, Pichhwai, Mughal Miniature, Phad, Kalamkari, and Tanjore, among others. These beautiful but overlooked art forms need the support of their community, government and cultural institutions to find their footing in the modern world.
So, how can YOU help? We have made a brief list of actions that will help you do your part in supporting folk art and artisans!
1. Purchase Handmade
Terracotta Lakshmi and Ganesha
Purchasing handmade art is a great way to support Indian artists and a sustainable way to prolong the traditional livelihoods of artisans. By consciously choosing to purchase handmade products, you will find that the products you buy are often superior in quality and made with a lot of care and attention. Look up local artisanal events or online marketplaces to buy directly from artists. Eventually, you will end up owning pieces of art that are truly special and memorable to you!
2. Don’t Bargain
Perhaps a well-known tip in Indian guidebooks is teaching tourists the art of bargaining. Sometimes, this might be handy advice to avoid scammers, but at the same time, it could result in an artisan not getting fair remuneration for their work. As a rule of thumb, practice not haggling for a few rupees when buying traditional handcrafted pieces. Remember, art is a form of self-expression, and an artist puts a lot of personal effort and creativity into creating each piece!
3. Start a Collection
Gond Art Wall by MeMeraki
Once you get an in-depth understanding of what you like, you can start your collection of Indian art! Collecting folk art is a great way to support traditional arts. Your art collection can be about a social theme you enjoy or an art form you like. Additionally, more expensive purchases can be an investment for the future. Your collection will help sustain the market for Indian art and might encourage artists to welcome innovations to their style. There has already been a surge of interest in the traditional Indian art space, so hop on board! Make sure you do your research and find reputable sources to buy your artworks.
4. Spread Digital Love
Indian Art on Hong Kong Walls. Kathaa Festival 2021
Using your social media platforms to share and promote the work of traditional artists can help increase their visibility in the digital world. It can help them get discovered and progressively get more opportunities. You can attend exhibitions, festivals, and events celebrating Indian art as a show of support for your country's rich cultural heritage. Whenever you attend such an event or purchase a traditional artwork– make sure to credit the artist in your social media posts!
5. Know Your State
Want to know something interesting? It is very likely that you live in a state that has art forms that are thousands of years old! Art is an integral part of most past and living cultures. A great way to get to know about the art forms from your state is to look up government art and culture initiatives, where you might find traditional art and artists from every region. (We have simplified that process and made a list of celebrated traditional art forms and artists from India!)
Not just that, but you can also learn about traditional Indian art forms from your elders. They might have witnessed (or participated) to your culture’s artistic traditions.
6. Learn An Art Form
Tanjore Workshop in Mumbai
The beautiful thing about most Indian art is that it is highly sustainable and community-oriented. Beginners are not just welcomed but embraced with open arms! Participating in an Indian art form can be a way to explore your creativity and tune out the world. Who knows? Maybe you will make the centerpiece of your living room or a museum (if you are that good)! Ultimately, this can be a rewarding experience for people who enjoy creative pursuits. It doesn't matter if you whip out a pair of Sanjhi scissors or fabric paints for your Kalamkari– just get started!
