Traditional Motifs

For the final project, I chose to focus on building a dome with cardboard and draw patterns inside of it. I created these patterns as repeated patterns to present the idea of reincarnation and the circular movement to present what goes around comes around as a whole.

Below are a few photos from the installation that I had created.

 

TRADITIONAL MOTIFS

Patterns have always inspired me and allowed me to broaden my creative space. From the most intricate designs to the most simple but unique patterns. After completing an in-depth research on various types of patterns, I realised, there is a specific one that I have always been fond of and motivated to explore. Rangoli is a form of decorative, intricate and traditional art, which is usually formed on the floor of many homes with the help of coloured rice or sand powder. They are traditional and cultural symbols that are usually created to bring good luck and positivity to the family.

Growing up in a Hindu family, I have had a chance to learn a lot from my parents and other family members. They taught me how to draw these intricate motifs and what its purpose is to our family. I have chosen to create an environment which is an installation of materials that provides a personal touch. The installation consists of a dome that has traditional patterns, incense to present the smell and sounds of a mantra called “Om Bhum Bhua Swawa” that I have always listened while creating Rangoli patterns at home. These three elements will allow me to represent an environment from India in Paris, as well as allow the audience to have a short tour into my culture.

The main purpose of creating a dome with patterns inside of it is to show how our culture believes in karma and what goes around, comes back around. The patterns are mainly placed on top, in the insides of the dome of Indian temples. The symbols are a repetition and have a form to it. The practice behind repeating them, portrays the culture and the layers and layers of traditions that link back to each other. As these patterns are circular they provide a meditation feel to the environment. So the shape of the dome and the idea of it being elevated is inspired from Indian temples and this represents the idea of reincarnation. Lastly, all these elements placed together in my installation will fulfill my aim to portray the culture with some personal touch which refers to drawing out all these traditional patterns but installing them in a modern way and a modern society.

Abstract:

 

Rangoli is a type of decorative, traditional, symbolic art that is made with mainly coloured ground rice or coloured powder in Indian homes specifically, a home of a Hindu. These patterns are formed by those who believe in the existence of good luck and also, who aim to bring positivity and luck to the entire family. These patterns are mainly circular because they provide the idea of reincarnation and good karma.

As the patterns are round, they show that what goes around, comes around which is a form of belief through these cultural motifs. As these patterns are placed on the insides of the dome of the temples as well, it shows that god is always showering his love and respect for those who believe in him and worship him.

Despite of this, Rangoli is not only used to draw and bring good luck but, also, it is used as a decorative piece of art for multiple homes. Various intricate patterns are formed with paint as artworks and these are then placed on walls of many peoples’ homes.

In this study, one will be able to explore the significance of the use of Rangoli in two different ways. Also, how has its conceptual and historical background been affected by time and lastly, are the intricacy of the patterns changing due to the trend and time.

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