Wednesday Edition

Aboriginal art stands as a profound visual testament to the cultural heritage of Indigenous Australians, with a history stretching back tens of thousands of years. This makes it the world’s oldest continuous living tradition of art-making.1 Archaeological evidence, such as a 28,000-year-old charcoal painting on a rock fragment found at the Narwala Gabarnmang rock shelter in the Northern Territory, and even older potential sites like Madjedbebe, possibly dating back 65,000 years, underscore the immense antiquity of these artistic practices.1 This vast timescale is more than a historical curiosity; it highlights the remarkable resilience, adaptability, and deep-rooted nature of Aboriginal cultures, immediately positioning their art as a heritage of global significance. The sheer continuity of this tradition, coupled with its role in transmitting knowledge across millennia, suggests that Aboriginal art is not a static collection of ancient relics. Rather, it functions as a living, evolving archive, adapting to new contexts while preserving core cultural tenets. This dynamic nature challenges any notion of Indigenous cultures as unchanging.

Step into a world where divinity radiates in shimmering gold, where vibrant colours tell ancient stories, and where art transcends mere decoration to become an object of profound devotion. This is the realm of Tanjore painting, a classical art form hailing from the historic city of Thanjavur (formerly Tanjore) in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Instantly recognisable by their opulent depictions of Hindu deities, these artworks captivate the eye with their glittering gold foil, embedded gemstones, and a unique, tactile relief effect achieved through a technique called gesso work. Traditionally crafted on wooden planks, earning them the local name ‘Palagai Padam’ (meaning ‘picture on a wooden plank’), Tanjore paintings are more than just aesthetically stunning pieces; they are deeply embedded in the cultural and religious fabric of South India, serving as cherished icons of faith and heritage. This article delves into the rich history, distinctive characteristics, intricate creation process, profound significance, and enduring legacy of these gilded masterpieces.

There is an undeniable magic in things made small. From intricately detailed dollhouses to ships seemingly impossibly built within bottles, miniature objects possess a unique power to captivate our imagination. They draw us closer, demanding our focused attention, promising hidden worlds revealed only through careful observation. Among the most fascinating of these small wonders is the art of miniature painting, a diverse and enduring tradition characterised by its diminutive scale and breathtaking detail. Spanning centuries and continents, this art form has graced the pages of sacred texts, adorned the lockets of European royalty, chronicled the lives of Mughal emperors, illustrated the epics of Persian poets, and continues to inspire artists today.

The Vibrant Art of Kolkata’s Temple Steps

Amidst the bustling energy of 19th-century Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), a unique and influential style of Indian folk art emerged from the vicinity of the famed Kalighat Kali Temple.1 Known as Kalighat painting, or Kalighat Patachitra, this art form quickly captured the imagination of locals, pilgrims, and even foreign visitors.2 It stands out for its distinctive visual language: bold, sweeping outlines executed with masterful brushstrokes, vibrant watercolour pigments applied on paper, and strikingly minimal backgrounds that make the central figures pop.1 The subjects depicted were as diverse as the city itself, ranging from revered Hindu gods and goddesses and scenes from ancient epics to sharp social satire, depictions of everyday life, and commentary on contemporary events.2

The Vibrant Heart of Indian Art

Rajasthan, the “Land of Kings,” conjures images of majestic forts, vast deserts, and tales of royalty.1 Located in northwestern India, this region is a cultural tapestry woven with history, tradition, and unique artistic expression, its heritage stretching back millennia.4 At its core lies Rajasthani art – a diverse array encompassing intricate paintings, vibrant textiles, enduring sculptures, and skilful crafts.1

The Vibrant World of Bhil Art

Imagine a canvas alive with startlingly bright colours, populated by figures both familiar and mythical, their forms filled not with solid blocks of paint but with a constellation of meticulously placed, multi-hued dots.1 This is the captivating world of Bhil art, a unique and deeply expressive tradition belonging to the Bhil tribe, one of India’s largest and oldest indigenous communities.3 More than mere decoration, Bhil art is intricately woven into the fabric of the community’s life, serving as a visual language that communicates their profound connection to the natural world, their spiritual beliefs, their history, and their daily existence.1 This art form, traditionally adorning the mud walls of their homes, has journeyed through time, adapting and evolving while retaining its core essence. This article delves into the origins of the Bhil people and their cultural landscape, explores the art’s fundamental role in ritual and storytelling, deciphers the rich symbolism embedded in its themes and signature dots, details its traditional techniques and modern adaptations, celebrates the key artists who have shaped its contemporary identity and examines its place in the world today. Through this exploration, we gain an appreciation for Bhil art not only as an aesthetically striking tradition but also as a vital expression of cultural identity and a testament to the enduring spirit of its creators.3 The continued practice and evolution of this art, particularly its successful transition into new mediums and markets, stands as a powerful symbol of cultural resilience for a community that has navigated historical marginalisation and the pressures of change, ensuring their stories and worldview continue to resonate.2