Kerala, fittingly named ‘God’s Own Country’, is set apart with a spectacular topography of a mountain range to the east and the sea to the west. This terrain gives the state a cultural exclusivity, resulting in Kerala evolving into a land of pageantry and distinctive folk traditions.
The word ‘mural’ is derived from the Latin word ‘murus’, meaning ‘wall’. A mural is any piece of artwork executed directly on a wall or ceiling.
One of the world’s finest art frescos (technique of wall mural); Kerala Murals were once extensively used in places of worship including temples, churches and palaces where it enjoyed Royal patronage. These world famous artworks that depict mythology and legends, date back somewhere between 9th to 12th centuries.
It is said that the Kerala Murals belong to a distinguished lineage with its influences from the cave paintings of Ajanta and Ellora.
Art Form
The sixteenth century marked the most prolific period for Kerala murals. Heavily influenced upon Kerala’s art and culture for its aesthetic influence; till date no other Indian mural has been able to match the linear accuracy of Kerala murals.
With the rich tropical state as a constant muse, a master artisan’s work can be distinctly identified by its complex layering and harmonious shading.
The murals famed for their beauty and clarity, is filled to the last square inch with technical excellence. The classical artworks embody idealistic representation of Gods and Goddesses with a profound nature inspired background.
Characteristic of Indian folk art, subtlety is left behind in this mural artwork, and stroke after stroke, the artwork is filled with radiant colours therein treating the viewer to an enchanting experience.
The Artisans
Senior mural artisans undergo rigorous training which results in their artwork being filled with meticulous elaboration.
To begin with, the luminous colours emerge from Mother Nature herself. The traditional style mural art form was 100% eco-friendly and used natural pigments and vegetable colours which still exists among the senior disciples. The colour palette includes: burnt husk, turmeric powder, curry and neem leaves extract.
This eco-friendly fresco though done by few, can still be done in today’s living spaces by preparing a designated wall area; but requires regular maintenance for its upkeep.
Presently, the artists have moved on from frescoes and natural pigments to canvas, asbestos, paper and acrylic colours to suit today’s homes which require little to no maintenance.
The Six Stages
Stage 1: LEKHYA KARMA – Sketching using pencil.
Stage 2: REKHA KARMA – Outlines are made on the sketches.
Stage 3: VARNA KARMA – Figures are drawn and colours are filled in. Green (Saatvik) is used for the Gods; Red (Tamasik) is used for mean and low characters, and Black for Demons (Rakshasa).
Stage 4: VARTANA KARMA – Shading is done.
Stage 5: LEKHA KARMA – The artwork is outlined in black.
Stage 6: DVIKA KARMA – The final touches are given and artwork is completed.
The artists who are trained in the past two decades or so have added new vocabulary to this art including historical and religious figure outside Kerala; while adhering to the colours and ornamental stylization that are stringently from the old fresco art.The prevalent colours used in Kerala murals include yellow ochre, red ochre, leaf green, soot black, and lime white. The colours are applied in layers from light to dark which do not spoil with weathering.
To Visit
The Padmanabapuram Palace and temples in Trissur, Sri Padmanaabhaswamy Temple at Thiruvanthapuram and The Ramayana Murals at Mattancherry Palace display exemplary art.
Some of the oldest, largest, and best executed murals in Kerala are to be found in the churches at Cheppad, Alappuzha ,Paliekkara, Thiruvalla, Angamaly.
The most recent revival for Kerala Mural was in the late 20th century in the school affiliated to Guruvayur temple at Thrissur district.
About Suham Arteriors
Suham’s Kerala Mural Artwork is filled with luminous colours and poignant expressions for all figurines whether celestial or mortal. Our paintings are mounted / framed on canvas in eco-friendly paints and can last for decades.
Our murals with their multi layered meaning can have a dramatic impact consciously or subconsciously on the individual when they are kept in areas where people live and work. Add an instant aesthetic improvement to your home or office space with our masterpieces.
“Walls have ears”, is an old Irish Proverb. We feel the time to give these walls a face of their own is now. Explore our vast collection of Kerala Murals only on ZingoHub and prettify your house and office interiors.