Role of Folk Tradition In Indian Contemporary Art

Role Of Folk Tradition In Indian Contemporary Art

India has always been known as the land that portrayed cultural and traditional vibrancy through its conventional art and crafts. Every region in India has its own style and pattern art, which is known as folk art.

In painting, sculpture as well as in music, dance, drama and pottery a vast store of folk experiences and expression exist, which is alive, and of which our artists have lately become more aware. 

Indeed since independence, there has been an exciting revival of the creative spirit throughout rural India. A number of Indian artists have turned to the rich and widespread traditions of folk art for inspiration.

Being culturally diverse and distinct, a variety of art forms have evolved over the years, some untouched by modernization.

 

Some adapting to new paint colors, materials, and contemporary themes. 

A number of Indian artists have turned to the rich and widespread traditions of folk art for inspiration. 

This paper is an attempt to analyze the role of folk tradition in Indian contemporary art through various structures of consciousness, to demonstrate further development and influence these traditions to reflect on modern Indian art scenarios.

We can better understand contemporary Indian art activity if we understand the influence of folk art. 

The folk and tribal art of India are very ethnic and simple, and yet colorful and vibrant enough to speak volumes about the country’s rich traditions.

Folk art in India apparently has great potential in the international market because of its aesthetic sensibility and authenticity. 

The rural folk paintings of India bear distinctive colorful designs, which are treated with religion and mystical motifs. 


Folk art, however, not restricted only to paintings but also stretches to other art forms such as pottery, home decoration, ornaments, music, and dance, cloth making, etc.

One of the most significant modernists of the 20th century in the world of Indian fine arts, Jamini Roy is known for his dazzling portrayal of India’s folk culture and rural ethos. 

Such was the beauty of Roy’s work that it brought him both national and international recognition, with his paintings being compared with those of famed French artist, Henri Matisse. 

However, in present time folk art is not restricted only on the canvases or walls, as it is becoming prevalent among common people through prints on daily wear such as t-shirts, teacups, clothes, etc.