Origin & History – BrainArt

Exploring the Marvels of Thai Art Through the Ages: A Journey from Dvaravati to Rattanakosin

vikram — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 08:18:55 +0000

Thai Art heritage is like a magical storybook filled with different chapters, each telling a unique tale of creativity and cultural expression. Today, we’ll embark on an adventure through time, exploring the enchanting worlds of Dvaravati, Srivijaya, Khmer, Lopburi, U-Thong, Sukhothai, Lanna, Ayutthaya, and Rattanakosin art.

Dvaravati Art:

Our journey begins with the ancient kingdom of Dvaravati, where art was a vibrant reflection of early Thai civilization. Dvaravati art is known for its graceful Buddha sculptures and intricate stonework. Imagine walking through ancient temples adorned with serene Buddha statues, each telling a story of peace and tranquility.

Srivijaya Art:

As we move forward in time, we encounter Srivijaya art, influenced by the maritime kingdom’s bustling trade and cultural exchanges. Srivijaya art often features intricate carvings and sculptures, capturing the spirit of a kingdom connected to the world through the sea.

Khmer Art in Thailand:

Next on our journey is the awe-inspiring Khmer art, marked by majestic temples and sculptures. The famous Angkor Wat, although located in Cambodia, showcases the incredible influence of Khmer art in the region. Thailand’s landscape is adorned with remnants of Khmer temples, each telling tales of devotion and grandeur

Lopburi Art:

Moving forward in time, we arrive in the historical city of Lopburi, where art took on a distinct style. Lopburi art is characterized by playful and whimsical depictions of monkeys, reflecting the city’s unique cultural blend of history and legend. Imagine exploring temples surrounded by mischievous monkeys, adding a touch of joy to the artistic experience.

U-Thong Art:

Our journey takes us to the U-Thong period, known for its exquisite pottery and ceramics. U-Thong art showcases the craftsmanship of the people, with intricately designed vessels and artifacts that provide a glimpse into daily life during this era. Picture a world where even everyday objects are works of art!

Sukhothai Art:

The Sukhothai period marks a golden age of Thai art, celebrated for its elegant Buddha images and graceful sculptures. Sukhothai art reflects a sense of serenity and balance, capturing the essence of Buddhism and its impact on Thai culture. Walk through the ruins of Sukhothai, and you’ll feel the peace and harmony embedded in the art.

Lanna Art:

Our journey now takes a detour to the northern kingdom of Lanna, known for its distinctive art style. Lanna art is characterized by intricate wood carvings, vibrant murals, and traditional Thai architecture. Imagine exploring the picturesque temples of Chiang Mai, adorned with exquisite art that tells stories of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Ayutthaya Art:

As we progress in time, we reach the historical city of Ayutthaya, where art took on grandeur and opulence. Ayutthaya art is marked by towering temples, Buddha statues, and a fusion of Thai, Chinese, and European influences. The city’s artistic legacy speaks of a flourishing kingdom at the crossroads of cultural exchange.

Rattanakosin Art:

Our journey concludes in the Rattanakosin period, marked by the founding of modern Bangkok. Rattanakosin art seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, showcasing a vibrant mix of classical Thai art and Western influences. Explore the Grand Palace, and you’ll witness a visual feast of intricate details and regal splendor.

Conclusion:

And there you have it, explorers! A whirlwind tour through the captivating realms of Dvaravati, Srivijaya, Khmer, Lopburi, U-Thong, Sukhothai, Lanna, Ayutthaya, and Rattanakosin art in Thailand. Each chapter in this artistic journey adds a layer to the colorful canvas of Thai culture, inviting you to imagine and appreciate the creativity of generations past.

The Ajanta Caves: A Masterpiece of Ancient Indian Art and Architecture

vikram — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 07:22:36 +0000

Ajanta Caves are a set of ancient rock-cut caves located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. These caves are famous for their stunning paintings, sculptures, and architecture, and are considered to be one of the greatest surviving examples of ancient Indian art. The Ajanta Caves were constructed between the 2nd century BCE and the 6th century CE, during the reigns of various Indian dynasties such as the Satavahanas, the Vakatakas, the Guptas, and the Chalukyas. The caves were primarily used as Buddhist monasteries and prayer halls, and are believed to have been abandoned in the 7th century CE due to the decline of Buddhism in India.

Political Background:

The political background of the Ajanta Caves is intertwined with the history of ancient India. During the time when the caves were constructed, India was ruled by various dynasties, each of which contributed to the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the country.

The Satavahanas were the first dynasty to rule over the region where the Ajanta Caves are located. They were followed by the Vakatakas, who were great patrons of art and architecture. The Vakataka king, Harishena, is credited with commissioning some of the most elaborate caves at Ajanta, including Cave 16, which is known for its exquisite paintings.

The Gupta dynasty, which ruled over India during the 4th and 5th centuries CE, is also believed to have contributed to the construction of some of the Ajanta Caves. The Guptas were known for their support of the arts and their patronage of Buddhist monasteries.

The Chalukya dynasty, which ruled over the region in the 6th century CE, is believed to have played a significant role in the decline of Buddhism in India. This decline led to the abandonment of the Ajanta Caves, which were left to decay for centuries until they were rediscovered in the 19th century by British archaeologists

Important Caves in Ajanta

Caves 9, 10, 19, 26, and 29 at Ajanta are among the most significant and well-preserved caves in the Ajanta Caves complex. These caves have great importance for their architecture, sculptures, and paintings, which reflect the evolution of ancient Indian art and architecture.

Cave 9: This cave is one of the earliest caves at Ajanta and is believed to date back to the 2nd century BCE. It is a chaitya (prayer hall) cave, and its significance lies in its early architectural features. The cave has a horseshoe-shaped entrance, a vaulted ceiling, and a stupa (a Buddhist monument) at its center. The stupa is carved with intricate sculptures, and the walls of the cave are adorned with paintings of Buddha and other Buddhist figures.

Cave 10: This cave is another chaitya cave at Ajanta and is similar in design to Cave 9. However, its significance lies in its sculptures, which are among the finest at Ajanta. The sculptures depict various Buddhist figures, including Buddha, and are carved with great detail and precision.

Cave 19: This cave is a monastery cave, and its significance lies in its architecture and sculptures. The cave has a large hall with several small cells around its periphery, which were used by Buddhist monks as living quarters. The walls of the cave are adorned with paintings of Buddha and other Buddhist figures, which are among the most well-preserved at Ajanta.

Cave 26: This cave is also a monastery cave and is significant for its architecture and paintings. The cave has a large hall with several small cells, and its walls are adorned with intricate paintings depicting scenes from the Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha’s previous lives). The paintings are among the most elaborate and well-preserved at Ajanta and are a testament to the artistic skills of ancient Indian artists.

Cave 29: This cave is a chaitya cave, and its significance lies in its architectural features. The cave has a horseshoe-shaped entrance and a large stupa at its center. The stupa is carved with intricate sculptures, and the walls of the cave are adorned with paintings of Buddha and other Buddhist figures.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Caves 9, 10, 19, 26, and 29 are of great importance for their architectural features, sculptures, and paintings, which reflect the evolution of ancient Indian art and architecture. These caves provide valuable insights into the cultural and artistic heritage of ancient India and are a must-see for art history enthusiasts and visitors to the Ajanta Caves complex.

Comprehensive History of Chinese Painting: Water-Ink

vikram — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 06:57:14 +0000

Brief History of Chinese Paintings

Figure paintings, landscape paintings, and flower-bird paintings are the three traditional categories of Chinese painting. Chinese painters primarily used landscapes as backgrounds for their figure paintings up to the 5th century. Landscape features including mountains, rocks, trees, and lakes were poorly designed, disproportionately large, and lacking in delineation techniques.

Beginning in the early Sui Dynasty and continuing until the Tang Dynasty (about A.D. 589–906), Chinese artists began painting landscapes without the inclusion of any human figures. Their methods were straightforward. Strongly contrasting hues like greens, blues, and sienna were used to fill in the shape of prominent landscape components including mountains, rocks, clouds, rivers, and boats. Over time, proportions were represented more correctly and objects were layered in contrast, yet different strokes were utilised to imply texture. It was around this time when blue-green landscapes began to appear.

Between the Five Dynasties era and the Sung Dynasty (A.D. 907–1279), landscapes continued to radically change into two main styles: blue-green landscapes and water-ink landscapes. Gold outlines were added to the early blue-green landscapes, which over time evolved into a loose painting technique that focused on ink ornamentation and depiction.

Chinese landscapes began to include significant elements of water-ink landscape. These paintings in the Simple spontaneous style made extensive use of inks and vibrant brushstrokes. In Japan they are known as Sumi-e, and Shui-mo hua in China.

Yellow Mountain
Ink & Color on raw Shuan Paper
22” x 16” (56cm x41cm)
Spontaneous-Style Painting

This style of Chinese art, also known as Scholar Style, was popularised during the Sung era and is still prevalent today. Its distinctive features include the delicate application of ink and expressive brushwork to depict the textures of mountains, rocks, water, clouds, and other natural elements. In a freestyle painting, ink representations take precedence over colour.

An Early example of blue-green style chinese landscape painted by Zhan Ziqian featuring mountains and trees thinly outlined with ink & filled in with vivid greens, blues and browns.

Pre-fifth century chinese painting

This long painting scroll by Gui Kaizhi, painted around the year 380, is an example of early Chinese art with wonderfully portrayed figures and modest, unstylized trees and hills.

Art from Yuan Dynasty (a.d.1279-1368) to Ming Dynasty (a.d.1368-1644)

Throughout feudal China, the scholarly painter’s purpose was to capture the spirit and reality of nature. Literati Paintings were popular during this time period. Ink and intricate brushwork were employed to enhance images in order to capture the spirit and beauty of nature. Skilled landscapes demonstrated a harmony between humans and environment, not just impressions of it: art as poetry. Chinese landscapes progressed in this manner, with the purpose of mastering the spiritual and personal aspects of art rather than strict interpretation of formal technique. Artists began inscribing poems into their landscapes during the Ming era to communicate personal thoughts and ideologies.

Ch’ing Dynasty (a.d.1644-1912)

Landscape painting became increasingly influenced by the copying of previous painters during the Ch’ing dynasty. Painting criticism turned away from nature and personal spiritual fulfilment and toward technique. However, as the twentieth century progressed, western techniques began to influence Chinese painters, and a new hybrid style emerged. Zhang Daqian is a well-known Chinese artist recognised for his splash-ink pouring style, which is said to be derived from the popular abstract expressionist movement in the United States.

1900s through 1950s

From the early 1900s until the 1950s, a group of Cantonese painters from Guandong Province, which borders Hong Kong, created a new movement that combined traditional Chinese painting with Japanese and Western painting approaches. Their purpose was to move Chinese painting history away from feudalism and into modern society. They not only mastered traditional theories and techniques, but they also sketched outside to examine their surroundings firsthand, resulting in more natural colours and correct proportions and perspectives. They also employed non-traditional Shuan Paper to suit their painting techniques. This new Chinese painting school is known as the Lignin School of Painting, and it is currently popular in Southern China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other parts of the world. In regard to Guangdong Province, Ling Nan literally translates to “southern side of the mountains.”

4 Fundamental Chinese Painting Techniques

You can generate stunning colour and ink variation in your landscape by using four classic Chinese painting techniques: Wet on dry, wet into wet, ink breaking, and ink pouring.

Surrealism Art History

brainartadmin — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 17:51:29 +0000

Surrealism art started largely due to Dada Movement aftermath of WW 1. In 1920’s a cultural movement began best known for its Visual artworks and writing. Artists painted unnerving, illogical scenes with photographic precisions, created strange creature from everyday objects, and developed painting technique that allowed the unconscious to express itself. In another words Surrealism art began as a philosophical movement that said the way to find truth in the world was through the subconscious mind and dreams, rather than through logical thought. The movement included many artists, poets, and writers who expressed their theories in their work.

History of Surrealism Art

Surrealism grew out of the Dada movement, which was also in rebellion against middle-class complacency. Artistic influences, however, came from many different sources. The most immediate influence for several of the Surrealists was Giorgio de Chirico, their contemporary who, like them, used bizarre imagery with unsettling juxtapositions. They were also drawn to artists from the recent past who were interested in primitivism, the naive, or fantastical imagery, such as Gustave Moreau and Henri Rousseau. Even artists from as far back as the Renaissance, such as Giuseppe Arcimboldo and Hieronymous Bosch, provided inspiration in so far as these artists were not overly concerned with aesthetic issues involving line and color, but instead felt compelled to create what Surrealists thought of as the “real.”

Breton’s 1924 Surrealist Manifesto defines the purposes of Surrealism. He included citations of the influences on Surrealism, examples of Surrealist works, and discussion of Surrealist automatism. He provided the following definitions:
“Surrealism, n. Pure psychic automatism, by which one proposes to express, either verbally, in writing, or by any other manner, the real functioning of thought. Dictation of thought in the absence of all control exercised by reason, outside of all aesthetic and moral preoccupation.”

Sigmund Freud‘s work placed emphasis on the subconscious mind, and its role in steering behaviour and emotion. His way of using free association, and dream analysis to get a clue to the subconscious was picked up by the surrealists. They painted dreamlike fantasies, and practised automatic drawing without sight: ‘automatism’.

Surrealism works have an element of surprise: unexpected items are placed next to each other for no clear reason. Many Surrealist artists and writers see their work as an expression of the philosophical movement first and foremost. The works are an artifact, and André Breton said that Surrealism was above all a revolutionary movement.

Fun Facts of Surrealist Movement

Surrealism was influenced by other movements and modes of thought. Its proponents were inspired by the theories and dream studies of the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud.
The movement owes its roots to the Dadaism movement, which was established the decade before. Surrealism also emphasised positive expression, as opposed to Dadaism’s nihilistic negative expression.
Surrealist writers were at first hesitant about letting visual artists into the movement. The Surrealists feared that the labor that went into producing a work of visual art contradicted spontaneity of expression.
The movement gave birth to a number of techniques in the visual arts. frottage, which is placing a sheet of paper over a grained or textured surface and rubbing it over it with pencil or crayon, practiced by the German painter Max Ernst.
Surrealism grew highly political. Andre Breton’s hope of freeing the ordinary person from society’s rationalism for the sake of a Marxist revolution was so influential in the group that the membership in the movement ended up being dependent on Breton’s whims.
The movement was accused of being sexist.

Surrealism as an organised movement died at the onset of World War II, which forced many of its proponents to flee to the United States to avoid persecution. However, this only served to give the movement a new lease on life in the late 30s and 40s. Today, the surrealist aesthetic lives on in many works of art and even in pop culture.

String Art Colorful String To Create The Design That Looks Brilliant On Wall

brainartadmin — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 17:40:15 +0000

String art invented by Englishwoman Mary Everest Boole (1832-1916). Idea behind developing string art to make mathematical ideas more accessible to children. String art uses coloured string, wool or wire to create geometric patterns. The ‘string’ held between nails hammered into a base board. Many straight lines of string can form shapes ranging from simple curves to more complex designs resembling flowers, sailing boats, etc.

A modern version of these geometric curves is the Bézier curve. Modern days used in computer graphics programs but was developed prior to modern computers. French mathematician and physicist, Paul de Castejau (born 1930) created an algorithm for subdividing a curve into two curve segments at an arbitrary parametric location. Another French mathematician and engineer, Pierre Bézier, developed a curve formula inspired by de Castejau’s algorithm. Pierre was working for an automobile company where he needed an accurate way to describe a curve for design and manufacture. Bézier’s curve could describe any second degree type of curve with just four points and it became known by the name of its inventor.

One of those inspired artists is American artist John Eichinger. He specialized in creating geometric designs which he referred to as “string mandalas.”

A popular hobby kit distributor at the time, Open Door Enterprises, first marketed his string art kits in the late 1960s. This is noted as one of the first times everyday people took interest in string art. It became widely popular in the 1970s with an uncountable amount of U.S. homes boasting home-made string art on their walls.

String Art : The Steam Behind the Fun !

Many shapes, like triangles, squares and rectangles can be created using the straight lines like the once you make when stretch a string from one point to another. If you space pins evenly around a square, you can use them to make a grid from string.

You can also make a curve using straight lines! Lots of straight lines positioned in a certain way create a parabolic curve. This is the same type of curve a thrown ball makes, when gravity pulls it back down.

To make a parabolic curve from string, position the pins or nails on perpendicular axes at equal distances apart (in the shape of a plus sign). Connect a string from the X axis (horizontal axis) pin closest to where the axes meet, to a pin on the Y axis (vertical axis) that is farthest from the intersection. Connect the pin second closest to the first one (on the X axis) to the pin second farthest away on the Y-axis and repeat the pattern several times to create a parabolic curve.

Paper Mache History

brainartadmin — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 12:13:51 +0000

Paper mache literally means “Chewed Paper”, “Mashed paper”or “Pulped paper” is a composite material consist of paper pieces or pulp, some reinforced with textile, bound with an adhesive like glue, starch or wallpaper paste.

Origin of Paper Mache

Despite the french sounding name, it did not originated in France till mid 17th century. However France was the first country to do so. Papier-mâché/ Papier Mache originates from China, the inventors of Paper itself. Papier Mache was used to make helmets of all things dating back to Hans Dynasty (BC 202 – AD 220). From China interest was spread to Japan & Persia. Papier Mache was used in making Mask, ornaments and other festival activities. Eventually from there it spread to rest of the world.

Interested in learning Paper Mache 2D & 3D sculpture.

Explore hidden delights of Paper Mache project. In this class you will learn every technique and tips to make 2D & 3D paper sculptures

Some Interesting Facts

Irish Mac called Isaac Weld made a boat from Papier Mache & he sailed the lake of Killarney.
In 1833 Charles Frederick Bielefeld built prefabricated cottages & ten room villa for client and his party to occupy on arrival. In 1853 Charles published a book titled "Portable Buildings" which included plates illustrating the various home designs he had available.
Until 1970’s Papier Mache was used for casting moulds for daily newspapers.
In India Durgapuja, goddess “Durga” idols are made of Papier Mache.
French physicist Louis Thomas Jerome Auzoux (1797 – 1880) inspired from paper mache dolls. In 1822 he received his medical degree and he gave first anatomical figure of Male to Paris Academy of Medicine. Five years later he opens factory to manufacture human, veterinary and botanical papier Mache models.
Church made in Norway survived 40 years before it was demolished.

Recipes / Ingredients used in past & some patented:

Resin: For smooth surface.
Potash: To neutralise the acidity of pulp or to act as deterrent against insects and rodent
Tobacco leaves: was used sometime by german doll makers.
Garlic: insect repellent. Cinnamon or cloves to eliminate smell of garlic !!
Isinglass: or Pure Gelatine, used in Britain as bonding agent.
Rice Flour: Originated in India.
Rye Meal: Originated in Germany
Mashed Potato: sometime added in 19th Century (Britain)
Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower - Johnson and Maloney (British) had a patent on this recipe. (Patented receipe)

Well ! We will stick to traditional way of Making Papier Mache. The potential of papier mache is limitless. All we need is some time to learn fundamentals of Papier Mache, Glue and some old newspapers.

Learn to make Papier-mâché object, wall hanging and many more objects for home decor or just for fun ! With easy step-by-step instructions you will make a very inexpensive objects that you can use for years.

Interested in learning paper mache 2D & 3D ?

Chat with us, know more about our online and offline classes for all age group.

Beautiful Mandala Shapes and colors Meaning

brainartadmin — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 11:40:49 +0000

Watching or making mandalas needs our ability to attach to our intuitive and intellectual self, to be able to at the same time simultaneously use the right and the left hemisphere of our brain. Mandalas help us in this procedure of connecting to ourselves, fine-tuning within.

Making yourself attentive to your own feelings, intuitions and skill have importance within the creation and receptive interpretation of mandalas.

Different shapes in Mandala

Dot:everything is one, symbol of the Un-manifested.
Circle: wholeness, integrity, unity
Horizontal line: Divides up from down, the earth and the sky. Maternal energy.
Vertical line: connection between worlds, energy. Divides right and left.
Cross: two lines meet and form a centre. Recognition.
Triangle with the vertex pointed upwards: aspiration, energies pointing upwards, in the direction of the spiritual sphere.
Triangle with vertex pointed downwards: aspirations towards the earthly, material sphere.
Square: Our existence in the material world.
Hexagon, created from the above-mentioned triangles:unity spiritual and material aspirations.
Circle and square together: Implementation of the spirit in the material.
Octagon: harmony in human existence
Pentagon: human being brought to perfection.
Heptagon: spiritual way
Circle divided to twelve parts: cycle of nature, wholeness.
Swastika: Sun, energy, movement of the Universe.
Spiral.cyclic movement of nature, dynamics. The two directions of the spiral symbolises the constructive and the destructive aspects.

What colors in mandala mean ?

According to the colours of the chakras
Seasons, natural forms
Interpretation of different spiritual schools
Feng-shui

Certainly, there are several other possibilities for the interpretation…

You can encounter what sentiments are stimulated in you by a particular shading – does it enact or loosen up you, does it vitalise or soothe you, does it turn you inside… Does it raise a warm or cold sensation? You can peruse a great deal about the impact that unadulterated colors have on our chakras and – through the chakras – on our state of mind and even in transit our organs work. Choosing colors precipitously (utilising the colors that are the most engaging us) can lead us to discover the colors that are significant for us, the colors that recuperate and help us in harmonisation. I sincerely propose you this strategy. Whenever prepared, the mandalas we made can be translated, gazed at in wonder, acknowledgments might be conceived.

Pure colours (they have a number of different shades)

Yellow:power, light, joy, (this is the colour of the 3rd chakra)
Orange: ample energy, heat, colour of the 2nd chakra
Red: fire, passion, colour of the 1st chakra
Violet: spiritual forces, colour of the 6th chakra
Blue: protection, tranquility, coldness, colour of the 5th chakra.
Green: peace, nature, colour of the 4th chakra
White: purity, unity, colour of the 7th chakra
Black: secret, darkness
Grey: just like brown, has several shades. They can either be cold or warm and they can be almost identical with one of the pure colours. They can be vivid or soft, can express boredom and sadness or, on the contrary, vitality and cheerfulness.

Magic circle: Mandala as Meditation Tool and Importance

brainartadmin — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 11:28:19 +0000

In Sanskrit Mandala means ‘Circle’ or ‘discoid object’. Mandalas are objects of devotion in Hindusim and in Buddhism (Vajrayana Buddhism) and they are also used in Jainism. They can be painted on paper, wood, stone, cloth or even on a wall. In some traditions, they can be reproduced in ephemeral material such as butter or coloured sand. In some traditions like Tibetan Buddhism, the role of this art form is so strong that it could become an architectural structure and even whole temples may be built as giant mandalas.

The methods used in creating mandalas are very precise and merged with different rituals including the chantings of sacred formulas. It may be based on or include a variety of geometric shapes using patterns that have evolved from different symbols.

Mandala Origin

Through meditation and following a path of thought and action, Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, attained enlightenment, freeing himself from the cycle of death and rebirth. He taught this path to his followers who still practice these principles today.

As Buddhist monks traveled the Silk Road, a major trade route through Asia, they brought Buddhism to many other lands. They carried mandalas with them and brought the practice of creating these works of art to other parts of Asia. The earliest evidence of this art dates to the first century B.C.E. but appeared in other regions, such as Tibet, China, and Japan by the fourth century. Although rooted in Buddhism, mandalas later became present in Hinduism, New Age Spirituality, and other religious practices.

Meaning of Mandala

While a finished mandala bears importance as a focus for meditative practice, the creation process remains equally important. There are three basic layers to a meaning. The outer meaning represents the divine form of the universe. The inner meaning creates a map to guide the mind to enlightenment. The secret meaning, however, remains between the artist and the creation as far as specific details. Overall, it represents a balance of body and mind infused with clarity. Did you know the meaning of shapes and colors used in Mandala ?

Uses of Mandala

In the many traditions where this art is used, there are different rites where the practitioner, at least metaphorically, establishes a dialogue with the symbol or deity at the core of the mandala by moving progressively from the outside towards the centre. Once within the centre, the practitioner connects with the central symbol or deity and he or she is able to perceive all manifestations as part of a single underlying whole and gets closer to the goal of enlightenment or perfect understanding.

The Vajrayana Buddhist school (Tantric Buddhism), has a very complex set of rituals. In order to help the disciples to gain enlightenment, they use a wide range of physical disciplines and tools including mandalas. This school believes that achieving enlightenment by traditional methods requires a very long time, even many lifetimes, while the methods used in Vajrayana can deliver the same result in just a single lifetime.

It is also used as home decor. In the present context, everyone likes the idea of this art including the child, adult, and the elderly people. The concept of mandalas is used in the different field. The some of the most used concept are listed below:

Curtain
Wall hanging
Wall painting
Beach mat or yoga mat
Stencil
Floor Pillow Covers
Cushion covers
Bedsheet
Tapestry

Attractive Madhubani Art – History & Origin

brainartadmin — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 11:03:15 +0000

Madhubani Art or Mithila Art Mithila region or Bihar and Nepal is practiced. Often characterised by the complex geometrical patterns, these painting are known for representing ritual content for particular occasions, including festival, religious rituals etc.. The colors used in Madhubani painting are usually derived from plants and other natural resources. These colors are often bright and pigments like lampblack and ochre are used to create black and brown respectively. Objects like twigs, matchsticks and even fingers are used to create the paintings.

Madhubani paintings originated in the Mithila region of Bihar border of Indian & Nepal. Heritage of Madhubani art goes back a minimum of 2,500 years and its celebrated figures embody Buddha and Mahavira. it’s additionally the birthplace of mythical being ‘Sita’, the central character in Ramayana. Hence, her life stories are oftentimes represented within the native art.

Madhubani literally means ‘forests of honey’ and refers to paintings, from the Bihar-Nepal border region, in a distinct style that captures viewers’ attention with their vibrancy.

Some of the initial references to the Madhubani painting are often found within the Hindu epic Sanskrit literature ‘Ramayana’, This painting depicts the theme of Ram Sita Vivah. It is believed that King Janak ordered his kingdom to decorate the town for the wedding of his daughter Sita. The knowledge was passed down from generation to generation and the paintings began to adorn the houses of the region. The women of the village practiced these paintings on the walls of their respective home. Their paintings often illustrated their thoughts, hopes and dreams.

Styles & Designs of Mithila art

Even though this art is very old, it’s preserved its original vogue and content in its place of birth of Mithila. These ancient artists still build their own colors by extracting them from plants. Madhubani art has five distinctive styles, namely, Bharni, Katchni, Tantrik, Godna and Kohbar. In the 1960s Bharni, Kachni and Tantrik style were mainly done by Brahman and Kayashth women, who are ‘upper caste’ women in India and Nepal.

The colouring is of two styles- Kachni (hatching) and Bharni (shading.) Kachni uses delicate fine lines to fill the painting and not much color is used. Bharni (shading) uses solid colors to shade and fill the pictures. It uses black outlines filled with vibrant colors. A variety of inventive patterns are made with hatching and stippling. The designs announce the occasion of the celebration and solicit good fortune and divine blessings

Some Fun Facts about Madhubani Painting

From period of Ramayana.
Origin of this art was famous ‘sita Kalyana’ It’s said that king Janaka arranged quite number of artist to create painting of marriage.
Madhubani painting prevented deforestation
Madhubani paintings prevent deforestation as artists painted Hindu deities on Trees, restraining people from cutting.
Mud walls to on canvas to Bangles
find Madhubani paintings on canvas, cushions, paper or even cloths.
Geometric Based Design

Rebellious Boy Keith Haring

brainartadmin — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 10:23:14 +0000

Keith Haring was an american Pop artist. Born May 4, 1958 – February 16, 1990. In 20th century Haring’s bold and graphical artworks as become widely recognised. His artworks were bold, cartoon style and graffiti influenced. His work highlights the social issues of NewYork and his own personal life. It was bold, expressive and vivid with cartooning and graphic design. His unique cartooning style and talent inherited from his father.

Keith grew up in Kutztown, Pennsylvania spent many hours drawing with his father. Popular cartoons from Walt Disney and charles Schultz fascinated Keith. At the early age he started developing interest Art. From 1976 to 1978 he studied commercial art at The Ivy School of Professional Art, Pittsburgh. He lost interest in commercial art and started studying Fine Arts.

I don’t think art is propaganda; it should be something that liberates the soul, provokes the imagination and encourages people to go further. It celebrates humanity instead of manipulating it.”

Keith Haring - Rebel with many cause

Haring was a conceptual artist, whose goal was to communicate his idea. In his journal he mentions “Paintings can be poem if they are read as words instead of images.”

He never founded a school or artistic movement. At the age of 31 February 16, 1990 Haring died of AIDS-related complications. His works continues to be exhibited around the world and many are owned by prestigious museums.

He was a activist in NewYork and he championed the rights of individuals: “Individuality is the enemy of mass society”. Art was the vehicle :”Art is individuality”. Haring wanted to democratize art. He developed the trademark visual language based on his love of cartoon, with heavy black outlines, simple contours and primary colors.
His art make protest on many social issue and wide varieties’ evils – Danger of nuclear Power, AIDS, the destruction of the environment, the abuses of organised religion and corrupt politics, the injustices of homophobia and racism, the tyranny of imperialism and colonialism, and more. Curiously, one of his targets was American commercialism: he made large paintings that showed rivers of dollar bills and consumer durables spewing out of the mouths of monsters.

Origin & History – BrainArt

Exploring the Marvels of Thai Art Through the Ages: A Journey from Dvaravati to Rattanakosin

Dvaravati Art:

Srivijaya Art:

Khmer Art in Thailand:

Lopburi Art:

U-Thong Art:

Sukhothai Art:

Lanna Art:

Ayutthaya Art:

Rattanakosin Art:

Conclusion:

The Ajanta Caves: A Masterpiece of Ancient Indian Art and Architecture

Political Background:

Important Caves in Ajanta

Conclusion:

Comprehensive History of Chinese Painting: Water-Ink

Brief History of Chinese Paintings

Art from Yuan Dynasty (a.d.1279-1368) to Ming Dynasty (a.d.1368-1644)

Ch’ing Dynasty (a.d.1644-1912)

1900s through 1950s

4 Fundamental Chinese Painting Techniques

Surrealism Art History

History of Surrealism Art

Fun ​Facts of Surrealist Movement

String Art Colorful String To Create The Design That Looks Brilliant On Wall

String Art : The Steam Behind the Fun !

Paper Mache History

Origin of ​Paper Mache

Interested in learning Paper Mache 2D & 3D sculpture.

Some ​Interesting Facts

Recipes / Ingredients used in past & some patented:

Interested in learning paper mache 2D & 3D ?

Beautiful Mandala Shapes and colors Meaning

Different shapes in Mandala

What colors in mandala mean ?

Magic circle: Mandala as Meditation Tool and Importance

Mandala Origin

Meaning of Mandala

Uses of Mandala

Attractive Madhubani Art – History & Origin

Styles & Designs of Mithila art

Some Fun Facts about Madhubani Painting

Rebellious Boy Keith Haring

Keith Haring - Rebel with many cause

Pop art by Keith Haring on social issues.

Fun Facts of Surrealist Movement

Origin of Paper Mache

Some Interesting Facts