#muralarts

[tamrata]

Reviving Temple Art: The Cultural Legacy of Kerala Mural Paintings

Kerala, often referred to as "God's Own Country," is a treasure trove of cultural and artistic traditions. Among its most captivating legacies are the vibrant Kerala mural paintings. These magnificent works of art, gracing the walls of temples, palaces, and churches, tell stories of divine beings and epic tales, embodying the spiritual and artistic soul of the region. Let's delve into the historical significance of these murals and explore the passionate efforts being made to preserve and revive this invaluable cultural heritage.

The Glorious Past of Kerala Mural Paintings

The tradition of mural painting in Kerala traces back to the 8th century AD, blossoming under the patronage of the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties. These murals primarily depict Hindu gods and goddesses, scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and other mythological stories. The art form reached its pinnacle during the 16th and 17th centuries, thanks to the support of local chieftains and royalty who adorned their temples and palaces with these elaborate artworks.

Kerala murals are easily recognizable by their bold outlines, vibrant colors, and intricate details. Artists used natural pigments and a palette known as Panchavarna—comprising red, yellow, green, black, and white. The expressive faces, dynamic compositions, and spiritual themes made these murals more than just decorative art; they were a medium of storytelling and a source of moral and spiritual guidance for devotees.

The Fall and Rise: Efforts to Revive Kerala Mural Art

Despite their historical significance, Kerala murals faced a period of decline with the advent of colonial rule and changing socio-political dynamics. Many murals fell into disrepair, victims of neglect and environmental damage. However, the late 20th century saw a resurgence of interest in this traditional art form, spurred by the recognition of its cultural importance.

Conservation and Restoration

Organizations like the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the State Archaeology Department have been at the forefront of mural conservation. Using advanced restoration techniques, they work diligently to stabilize, clean, and restore these ancient paintings to their former glory. These efforts ensure that future generations can witness the beauty and spiritual depth of Kerala murals.

Nurturing New Talent

Education is a cornerstone of the revival movement. Institutions such as Kerala Kalamandalam and the International Centre for Kerala Studies offer specialized courses and workshops in mural painting. These programs aim to pass on the traditional skills and knowledge to a new generation of artists, ensuring the continuity and evolution of this ancient art form.

Embracing Modernity

Contemporary artists are breathing new life into Kerala mural art by incorporating traditional elements into modern contexts. Public art projects, exhibitions, and cultural festivals showcase these stunning murals, making them accessible and relevant to today's audience. This fusion of tradition and modernity keeps the art form vibrant and dynamic.

Community Engagement

The revival of Kerala mural paintings is a community effort. Local communities, temple authorities, and cultural organizations are actively involved in conservation initiatives. Programs like 'Adopt a Mural' encourage individuals and organizations to sponsor the restoration of specific murals, fostering a collective sense of responsibility towards preserving this cultural treasure.

Conclusion

Reviving Kerala mural paintings is more than just preserving an art form; it's about celebrating and safeguarding a cultural legacy that has profoundly shaped the spiritual and artistic landscape of the region. Through dedicated conservation efforts, educational initiatives, and community involvement, this vibrant tradition continues to inspire and captivate people around the world. As we honor this cultural renaissance, we recognize the timeless beauty and enduring significance of Kerala's mural heritage.

Tamrata

[preponias]

Mewar-style painting

[embassy730]

Today I’m excited that the new @barrafdn website launched today. We at @embinteractive worked with Barra and @sagecom to create a video for 6 organizations that The Barra Foundation are funding through their Catalyst Fund that aim to solve critical problems in innovate ways to strengthen communities, ranging from food insecurity (@foodconnectgroup), gentrification (@ujimadevelopers), gentrification and business ownership (@kctphilly), education (@centerblacked and @collegeunbound) and addressing financial/development needs (@muralarts: Color Me Back). The Barra Foundation, Sage Communication, Food Connect, Mural Arts and Kensington Corridor Trust are all women led organizations that I’m honored to work with and share with you this women’s history month. To learn more of what Barra or these organizations are about, find out at: https://www.barrafoundation.org/ #womenshistorymonth #foodconnect #muralarts #sagecommunications #kensington #barrafoundation (at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpgk1pUrMRW/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[siemper12]

Loved the colors on this one #mural #muralart #muralpainting #muralartist #murals #muralarts #muralsofinstagram #muralphotography #publicart #publicartwork #publicarts #outdoorart #outdoorarts #art #artistic #artist #artistsoninstagram #nobhill #nobhillabq #albuquerque #newmexico #newmexicotrue #newmexicolove #newmexicolife #newmexicoartist #newmexicoart #newmexicophotographer #newmexicostyle #newmexicophotography #newmexicoartists (at Nob Hill) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpaz4vzv0Ef/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[helderborgesart]

🙏🚀🤘👉👈#graffitart #graffity #artwork #mural #muralart #grafittimundo #art #artgallery #grafittitour #graffitilove #muralarts #atlantagraffitiart #muralatlanta #muralatlantapopular ##grafittiatlanta #artatlanta #atlantaartists #atlantacustomart #atlantaartgallery #atlantaartshows #customartist #georgiaart #artgeorgia #georgiagrafite #georgiamural #artmurals🖌️ #murales #muraljogja #muralpainting @loopcolors.usa @poscaoficial @posca_usa https://www.instagram.com/p/CoBUFaqsqDj/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[laitoncrafts]

Traditional Wall Mural Kamadhenuvu Kalpavriksham

Experience Vintage style village feels with our traditional wall mural in Kamadhenu kalpavriksham theme. For the latest designs head to www.laitoncrafts.com or call us on 080 - 69064411 or +91 99633 77388.

[ktsipp]

“Declaration”

[mikem143]

Zig zag off the Waterwalk chasing murals. No map,; just keep the eyes open. #mural #muralart #muralarts #murals #tampa #tampaflorida #florida (at Tampa, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cle3n_bMhlc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[rootsinthefuture]

Alien invasion are coming Rootsinthefuture (Banksy style)

[dognonsense]

Painted my doors! gonna add detail to them over time :3 my kitty in the shark door photo is named twilight

[tamrata]

Kerala Traditional Shiva and Mohini Kerala Mural Hand-Painted Art | Buy Kerala Mural Painting | Buy Shiva and Mohini Mural Art | Tamrata

Step into a world of mesmerizing artistry with our hand-painted Kerala mural depicting Shiva and Mohini. Each brushstroke dances with ancient tales, weaving a tapestry of divine love and celestial beauty. This masterpiece not only decorates but enchants, bringing the soulful essence of Kerala's cultural heritage into your home. Immerse yourself in the magic of art that whispers stories of eternity and grace.

for more visit Tamrata

Tamrata

#KeralaMuralArt#DivineBeauty#ArtisticHeritage#muralpainting#murals#mural#muralpaintings#muralarts#tamrata#homedecor#homedeco#homedecoration#homedecor

[rashaunlamont]

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[t13shoots]

[siemper12]

Love the simplicity #mural #murals #muralart #muralpainting #muralartist #muralarts #muralsofinstagram #muralphotography #publicart #publicartwork #publicarts #publicartist #publicartworks #nobhill #nobhillabq #route66 #central #albuquerque #newmexico #newmwxicotrue #newmwxicolife #newmexicolove #newmexicoart #newmexicoartist #newmexicophotographer #newmexicostyle #newmexico_igers #photography #photo #photooftheday (at Nob Hill) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpXsiPEuzqJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[helderborgesart]

👩‍🚀👨‍🚀🧑‍🚀🚀🚀⭐️🌞☄️🌑🪐👈#graffitart #graffity #artwork #mural #muralart #grafittimundo #art #artgallery #grafittitour #graffitilove #muralarts #cookeville #cookevilletennessee #cookevilletn #cookevillerealestate #cookevilleart #tennesseeart #tennesseemurals #cookevillenews #cookevillestrong #cookevillebusiness #tennesseemuralartist #Tennessee muralist #nashvilleartist #nashvilletennessee #nashvillemurals #nashvillemurals #neshville 🖌️ ##tennesseartisanal #cookvillebusiness @loopcolors.usa @poscaoficial @poscagallery @posca_usa @cookevillethrive https://www.instagram.com/p/CojH30HsNMz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[immaculatelyamiss]

Cameron, Arizona