Folk Art for Living Room Decor - Introduce These 6 Indian Art Forms To Your Guests

Lippan Art - Mud and Mirror

Lippan in simple terms means apply. The art of lippan is predominantly practiced by some of the tribal communities in the desert areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The main aspect here is, applying mirror pieces using clay or mud. Originally, camel dung was used to apply glistening mirror pieces on the walls of the hut. Upon airdrying, clay/mud simply holds the mirror intact. This is one such art form that allows you to stay so close to earth and stay completely natural.

With time, this art has evolved too. The art is no more limited to the local tribes or communities of Gujarat. Many art enthusiasts have shown keen interest in creating their own master pieces.

On plywood, using craft clay, marble dust powder, beautifying with acrylic paints, this stunning art of glistening mirrors held with clay has reached great heights.

The motifs and patterns created in most Indian folk arts are close to nature and elements that spread positive vibes.

Madhubhani Art

Madhubani is famous for depicting the scenes in brightly colored picture form on large walls. This is an ancient art form that is believed to date back to the days of Ramayana when the divine wedding Lord Rama and Devi Sita happened.

The double lines, intricate patterns used to fill through the entire image is very special in this art.

Beginners can start off their pieces taking inspiration from well known Madhubani artists. My personal preference is, Ms. Bharati Dayal.

Check Madhubani Tree of Life painting step by step process here.

Gond Art

Gond Art is named after the Gond tribe. The name Gond is derived from the konda word which literally means green hill. The idea behind this art form is all nature. Social customs are also depicted in this art form. The people of gond tribe strongly believe that the lives of humans are intertwined with that of nature/tree, thus the theme of the paintings.

The mahua tree which is considered as Tree of Life or Tree of Giving is one of the important subject of Gond paintings. Birds or peacocks under Mahua Tree is one of the finest choices for living room decor.

Pichwai

Pichwai art is an ancient art which depicts childhood tales of Lord Krishna. The art originated at the temple of Nathdwara about 400 years ago. The paintings revolve around Srinathji, his beloved holy cows, the garden, the gopis surrounding Srinathji, the lotus pond, the story of lifting the Mount Govardhan and such.

This divine art form fills the perfect energy to the space where it is placed.

A large canvas with numerous bloomed lotuses and its buds that fills up the height of the empty wall is a unique style to flaunt your decor ideas.

Mandala

Mandala is typically ethnic or traditional designs created on concentric circles. The vast variety of motifs and patterns in this art brings freshness to the style of your home.

Many artists offer to paint a unique large mandala directly on the wall. Creating unique patterns with creativity reaching new heights is what makes mandalas on walls very special in a home. In fact you can create your own mandalas, simple and small ones. Put them all together to cover up large space.

There is a hidden mandala artist in all of us. It is just a matter of time to put together all art essentials and give a go to your brushes.

Mandana

The base color used in the art of Mandana is something which makes it outstanding. Mandana is decorating ones home, especially mud huts, during special and happy occassions. Mandana means 'to draw'

This is how local people in Rajasthan prefer to welcome guests and also God/goddesses during festivals.

With Mandana art dying, efforts are being made to preserve the same by creating it on canvases. The canvas is applied with a base color of mud indicating brown mud walls and floor as background. Originally, intricate patterns were drawn with rice paste or calcium paste. To replicate the same method, white paint is used on canvas.