BENGALURU: Successive centuries have wrecked cultures, ideologies and communities. What often remained at the end of any catastrophic storm was the art that civilisations left behind. From the eroding paintings on ancient cave walls, the towering pyramids of exotic Egypt and the masterpieces that mesmerise us from museum walls, it is only art that has lived long after its creators have vanished.
It may surprise you to know then, that there are artworks that are primarily made with the sole intention of disappearing over time. Artists have always challenged conventions. The traditional idea of the permanence of art too has been questioned and art with expiry dates have often been created.
There have also been a multitude of traditional art forms founded on the notion of impermanence. The ritualistic art form of Kalamezhuthu, practiced in Kerala, is said to have originated in the Chola dynasty. This painting in bright colours which has been inspired by the Kerala mural tradition, is done on the floor.
A Kalamezhuthu painting begins at a predetermined time and is usually done by men. The patterns may vary but they all pay tribute to Hindu deities. The floor is prepared at first with a paste of rice powder and cow dung and the first line is drawn from east to west.
The border lines are then made, colours filled and the painting is only complete when the eyes have been drawn at the end. The artist’s palette consists of only five colours which represent the five elements of natur.