Srikalahasti Kalamkaari inspired- Medium scroll- Ardhanarishwar

Description

Kalamkari Painting is a traditional Indian art form known for its intricate hand-painted or block-printed designs on fabric, originating from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Textile Narratives: The word Kalamkari comes from kalam (pen) and kari (craftsmanship), meaning “pen work.” It is primarily done on cotton or silk fabric using natural dyes and is renowned for its detailed storytelling.

Theme: The paintings depict mythological and religious themes—primarily scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and stories of deities such as Krishna, Shiva, and Durga. The designs are deeply symbolic and often used in temple backdrops and ritual cloths.

Two Styles:

• Machilipatnam Style: Uses block printing and is more decorative with Persian and Mughal influences.

• Srikalahasti Style: Entirely hand-drawn with a kalam (bamboo pen), featuring narrative scenes and more traditional Hindu motifs.

Style: Known for fine line work, earthy color tones (such as indigo, mustard, rust, and black), and elaborate borders. Natural dyes are used, and the entire process involves multiple steps including treating the fabric, applying resist, dyeing, and hand-painting.

Ritual and Craft: Traditionally practiced by Chitrakars (artists), the process is considered sacred. The making of Kalamkari involves 17–23 steps, each tied to age-old rituals and natural processes.