If you wonder ‘What is Art?’ Art is commonly associated with craft and visual graphics. It does not have a universal definition, but it is widely known as a conscious creation of something that is meaningful, beautiful and attractive by making use of imagination and skill and sometimes modern technology too.
There are various art forms out of which visual arts is the most common type. Art has been given importance to portray the traditions, customs, cultures, etc. as well as human beauty. Since time immemorial, when humans did not know a language, they communicated using paintings and art forms only. Art is an integral part of human life, and we can experience it in almost all walks of life. India has a rich literature and craft as various rulers from different parts of the world have ruled this country and so these rulers have had an impact on Indian art and work too.
Different types of art:
Art can be divided broadly into three types mainly:
- Visual art: This is the dominant form of art that makes use of any medium to portray the idea of an artist, his sentiments and imagination. Visual art comprises of drawings, paintings, photography, sculptures, and others. It can further be classified as representational art, abstract art, and non-objective art.
- Applied art: This is associated with visual art and includes art which has a real-world application and functionality associated with it. It includes arts such as fashion, architecture, design, wood crafts, and interior design.
- Performing arts: This form of art comprises music, dance, films, opera, drama, theater, magic shows, etc. It is a highly celebrated and appreciated form of art.
Indian Art
Indian art comprises several art forms such as plastic arts (pottery, sculpture); textile arts (bandhani, woven silk, chikankari); visual arts (paintings, rangoli). These art forms are present throughout the Indian subcontinent. You can find a strong sense of craft and design in the modern as well as traditional ways of Indian art. Art has flourished in India since pre-historic times since 3rd millennium BC. Modern forms of art are much inspired by different rulers, religions, foreign cultures, etc. historical art mainly includes sculptures made out of stones and metal. There are also numerous artistic monuments that attract tourists to India. Dance is also a popular form of art in India. Apart from that local painting art is also popular.
Ten folk art forms that have survived in India since generations:
- Madhubani paintings or the Mithila art from Bihar.
- Miniature paintings from the Mughal era.
- Phad paintings from Rajasthan.
- Warli paintings from Maharashtra.
- Gond pictures from Madhya Pradesh.
- Kalamkari paintings (drawn with a pen) from Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
- Tanjore or Thanjavur from South India.
- Cheriyal Scrolls from Telangana.
- Kalighat paintings from Bengal.
- Patachitra from Odisha and West Bengal.
Conclusion
Art has been an integral part of human lives since ancient times. It is a way of expression in the form of drawings, music, craft, dance or sculptures. We must protect and preserve the traditional art forms of our country. This is because it constitutes an integral part of our culture. It is important to keep art for the growth of tourism in the country too which can lead to economic development.