The master painters of Vijayanagar exemplify how creativity can flourish within traditional frameworks. While their murals may not have been the most intricate, they excelled at bringing out the finer aspects and narratives of their subjects. These artists enjoyed a remarkable degree of creative freedom, resulting in masterpieces like the Gangadhara painting in Lepakshi – a testament to their ability to capture nuanced stories and emotions while transcending conventional representations.
At our studio, we draw inspiration from this legacy, embracing the rich heritage of Coromandel textiles as our expressive medium. Like the Vijayanagar painters, we honour ancient techniques in their purest form while exploring their creative potential. The intricate methods of Kalamkari, mordant printing, and natural dyeing become our artistic language, allowing us to communicate stories, emotions, and cultural narratives through every thread and pigment, just as artisans have done for centuries.
Like the murals in Tiruvarur, Thirupudaimaruthur, Lepakshi, and numerous other temples, we see each work as a canvas where time-honored techniques flourish in their authentic glory. While maintaining the integrity of these traditional methods, we create a unique space for creativity that doesn’t alter the craft but rather explores its full potential. The technique of Kalamkari itself offers endless opportunities for artistic expression, with each stroke and depiction showcasing the depth and versatility of this ancient art form. In this way, we strive to create works that, like the Gangadhara painting, push the boundaries of tradition while remaining true to its essence.