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16 Jun 2015

Art in Interiors: Abstract Art for Interiors

A large abstract artwork in the living space can be a focal point in the decor scheme

Art In Interiors, Artist Shraddha Rathi, Image courtesy Rupali & Gaurav Bhatia, Art Scene India

Abstract art can be a perfect choice for modern interiors that feature a minimal look.

Non-representational art, essentially comprising non-recognizable objects, people or places may sometimes be difficult to comprehend at the first instance. As it diverges from realism, the visual framework of reference shifts and becomes different for the viewer.

Even though there may not be an instant recognition or categorization, it usually evokes an emotional response. The colours in the painting assume significance from several perspectives – these are responsible for the response they generate in the viewer and are relevant in creating a harmonious effect in the interiors. It is therefore important to choose an abstract work of art, whether it is a painting, a sculpture or even an installation, which you can relate to as an individual while keeping in mind its overall impact on the space.

In an abstract work of art, the colours, textures, patterns, lines and the free flowing space are some of the characteristics that may be utilized in a larger context and the theme extended to the general décor.

For instance, the predominant colour from the artwork can be used judiciously in the furnishings to create a harmonious effect. Contrasts work well too, however one would have to be cautious in using bold colours amidst tones of neutral shades.

Large paintings have a greater impact and can be displayed prominently in any area, which is well lit and conspicuously placed. When opting for larger pieces, one must not clutter the place with multiple small works around it. These are perfect to be displayed against large pieces of furniture, a piano or a sculpture and can be place in the living room, bedroom or in an entryway.

However, a cluster of smaller works could be placed on adjoining walls while ensuring that there is some commonality between the paintings. They do not necessarily have to be of the same colour or by the same artist but could borrow or reflect a few common elements. Large open spaces can look stunning with a single abstract work, which is also of comparable size. It helps to keep the area uncluttered with minimal accessories and furniture as well.

In general, abstract artworks tend to blend with and complement modern and contemporary interiors, but there are always exceptions. These paintings can sometimes work with traditionally designed interiors by using colours that are in earth or wood tones, and reflect a few components from their surroundings. In such cases, the artworks can offer an element of surprise and become a focal point in the décor scheme. The palette or textures when repeated in the drapes or tapestry makes it more interesting.

The writer is an art consultant
Images courtesy: Artist Shraddha Rathi, Rupali & Gaurav Bhatia

This article was published in The Times of India-The Address recently.

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7 Apr 2015

Art in Interiors: Art on Rugs and Tapestries

Historically, expensive textiles have been symbolic of wealth, status and power. Plush carpets and rugs have been used for many centuries as a sign of prosperity, and having one underfoot was considered a luxury which not many had. In paintings too, especially portraits it was common to see expensive rugs as an integral part of the setting. For instance, sixteenth century portraits of wealthy patrons often used carpets to indicate their sophisticated status and their standing in society.

Yellow Oriental carpet in Hans Memling altarpiece of 1488–1490. The "hooked" motif defines a "Memling carpet". Louvre Museum, Source Wikimedia, Art Scene India

Yellow Oriental carpet in Hans Memling altarpiece of 1488–1490. The "hooked" motif defines a "Memling carpet". Louvre Museum, Source Wikimedia

There are numerous varieties of carpets and rugs which are in demand for their textures, patterns and colours, based on the place of their origin, weave, quality of materials used and age. Antique carpets and rugs can be very expensive and are highly coveted. On the other hand, unusual carpets, rugs and tapestries with paintings and designs by fine artists also add an unusual element to home décor and these are also preferred and much sought after by art connoisseurs.

A Navajo rug made circa 1880

Pop art, abstracts, mythological subjects and contemporary paintings are popular as textile art - paintings by fine artists are also transferred or woven into rugs. Artists Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein’s art is widely depicted on rugs, where their well-known works are shown. Their bright colours, geometric motifs and patterns, images from popular culture make them trendy accessories that can transform any space. Handmade carpets and rugs are the ones which are more desired as compared to machine made ones. Therefore, when buying rugs designed by fine artists, it is advisable to look for ones that are handmade and ethically produced.

Similarly, tapestries are created by artists – these may have an entirely new series of paintings on them or have an earlier painting woven. It requires an exceptional skill to produce tapestries in order to match the original design and colours. In fact, if you like a particular painting, you can always have it woven into a tapestry by a skilled craftsman. A tapestry should be displayed on the wall to emphasize the colours, design and texture to its advantage.

Although it is more common to have a rug on the floor, there are times when you may want it displayed on the wall instead. This could be because of its size, rarity, vintage value and price. When displaying it on the wall, it is important to highlight it yet take adequate care to ensure no nails or adhesives are used.

This article was published in The Times of India-The Address recently.

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12 Dec 2014

Art in Interiors: Miniature Paintings in Home Décor

Traditional miniature paintings are exquisite and should be displayed in an uncluttered environment.

Miniature paintings, as the name suggests are small format artworks with innate historical and traditional linkages. In India, the miniature style of painting is believed to date back to the 16th century, although earlier accounts do exist. Miniatures are traditionally colourful, intricately executed and are typically done on various surfaces such as paper, wood, silk etc. Early works feature portraits, ceremonies, court and hunting scenes, stories from epics and mythology – different schools have their own peculiarities and styles. Some of the notable traditions of miniature painting in India are the Mughal, Rajasthani, Pahari and Deccani courts.

Traditional miniature painting 'Krishna and Radha' by Nihâl Chand, used under creative commons license, Art in Interiors, Art Scene India

This form of art is delightful and immensely collectable. Paintings which are old have a great vintage and antique value. Often rare and infrequently sold during auctions or private sales, the minute artworks are heavily prized for their delicately detailed work and their historicity.

Miniature paintings are exquisitely intricate and have such fine brushstroke that they need to be displayed on uncluttered walls with minimal mounts and frames so as not to distract from the wonderful stories that are being articulated in the images. From a home décor perspective, miniature art with its historical themes are ideally suitable for traditional and ethnic décors. The effect can be enhanced by displaying them in a cluster and highlighting them with suitable lighting. Grouping them according to theme, period and school which they belong, to build a narrative would work best to heighten the impact.

Mughal miniature painting from the Hamzanama series, used under creative commons license, Art in Interiors, Art Scene India

Their antique look and vintage appearance add much to their value and as long as they are in fairy good condition one need not tamper with them.

In case, one doesn’t have access to original miniature works, there are a few artists who can reproduce and also make their own small format paintings. These too can be grouped and put up as part of a traditional décor and displayed in a similar way. Corresponding antique furniture and other artifacts which complement such a décor scheme will be in harmony with traditional miniature art, as well.

This article was published in The Times of India-The Address recently.

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18 Nov 2014

Art in Interiors: Painting a Wall

An entire wall painted with a mural can be the highlight of any décor scheme

The impact of a single large artwork in interiors is well recognized as it can dominate any space and set the tone for the entire décor. There are two ways to go about it - one can either display a very large painting on a wall to cover it completely and make it a centerpiece. Or, one can treat the wall as the canvas and paint it directly. The impact of a painted wall, essentially a mural is definitely more striking. It is therefore important to choose the right wall for this purpose, for instance, it should be prominently placed so that it can easily become the highlight of the décor scheme.

Art in Interiors, Mural by artist Bharati Sagar, Image courtesy artist, Art Scene India

Once the wall is decided, it is essential to choose the theme and the artist with care to ensure best results. There are artists who specialize in doing murals and it would be a good idea to get in touch with one. The paint materials which are used for a mural have to be selected such that they can be sustained over the years, and the painting remains fresh and undamaged. The advantage in commissioning an artist is that the residents can participate actively in the concept, design and details of the artwork.

Art in Interiors, Mural by artist Bharati Sagar, Art Scene India, Times of India-The Address

An uncluttered wall will display a mural to its advantage, however one could even have the wall behind the television painted with a mural as most of the seating is directed towards it. On the other hand, a mural on a wall directly in front of an entrance, such as a bedroom or a children’s room will work, as long as it is conspicuously placed. Once an entire wall is painted, it is important to not clutter it with more artworks, especially paintings.

The lighting of the mural also requires care so that every detail and nuance gets accentuated effectively. More than one spotlight may be necessary to cover the entire mural. Again, lights must be chosen so that they do not harm the colours of the painting.

This article was published in The Times of India-The Address recently.
Image courtesy artist Bharati Sagar

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1 Sept 2014

Art in Interiors: Art With Paper

Paper art, particularly installations made of paper give a contemporary twist to interiors

Red paper pulp installation by artist Ravikumar Kashi, Art Scene India, Image courtesy artist

'A thousand desires' - Ravikumar Kashi

Paper has a fragile and ethereal quality about it that tends to be equated with transience. However it can be a surprisingly durable medium, and has been extremely popular with artists for drawings and paintings. It has also found multiple uses in design and craft due to its versatility and ease of availability. Origami, quilling, quilting and moulding are some of the techniques which are customarily used to create art with paper.

Apart from its traditional usage, paper is now increasingly manipulated by contemporary artists to produce artworks which are displayed in galleries and at international events – sometimes to even convey a socially relevant message. For instance, French artist Paulo Grangeon has created 1,600 little papier mâché pandas to raise awareness about the dwindling population of the pandas.

Book art made of paper pulp by artist Ravikumar Kashi, Art Scene India, Image courtesy artist

A combination of different types of paper and techniques has been put to creative use to come up with extraordinary artworks made entirely out of paper. Book art, which involves transforming the pages of an old book into amazing artworks, while artworks made out of paper pulp to resemble books can be equally fascinating. Elaborately detailed masks, life size sculptures and abstract installations are a few other options. As an installation, the transformation of paper has immense possibilities and can easily fit in any kind of décor in both residential and corporate spaces. Traditional forms such as animals and birds and decorative artifacts such as chandeliers are now given a contemporary touch to create stunning artworks.

When selecting paper art, keep in mind that scale plays a vital role and the larger the artwork the greater the impact. This is particularly true for installations which are either suspended from the ceiling or take up an entire wall. In such a case, a single artwork can be the highlight of the space, especially when combined with skilful lighting and other architectural features.

The possibilities are endless and the great thing about paper art is that it can be either minimal or intricate, and complement any form of decor.

This article was published in The Times of India - The Address yesterday.
Images courtesy Ravikumar Kashi.

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26 May 2014

Art In Interiors: Hyperreal Art Makes An Impact

Hyper-Real Art Makes An Impact published in Times of India - The Address, Bangalore

21 Apr 2014

Displaying Art in Home Interiors

Displaying art requires some creative effort and skill to spotlight the art and alter the dynamics of the space, writes art consultant Nalini Malaviya

Imagine having a large painting hung in the corner of a room, which is dark and dingy and one has to scan the entire space to find it, in such a situation is there any point in putting up an artwork? For all practical purposes the painting is invisible and serves no point. The intention of an artwork is to alter the dynamics of the space by introducing form, colour and a focal concept, while adding a new visual dimension. Hence, displaying art in a particular space requires some creative effort and skill to ensure that not only the art is highlighted but the entire space benefits.

Royale Play Metallic for Staircase Interior by Asian Paints, Image courtesy Asian Paints

Framing

Framing a traditional work of art such as a painting or drawing is one of the ways to demarcate the artwork and to highlight it. Black minimal frames, ornate and gilt frames, wide frame borders and mats are just some of the options in various materials which can be used for framing. Depending on the size, medium and colours in the painting the frame must be chosen accordingly. It is important to select a frame that visually complements the artwork, is made of good quality material and does not appear cheap.

Using colour as a means to highlight the artwork is another trendy option, where either the entire wall or a square/ rectangular frame behind the artwork serves to draw attention to the art and integrate the space in its entirety. This can actually have a vivid effect, especially if colours are chosen appropriately to be in harmony with the painting.

Paints for Bedroom Interiors by Asian Paints, Image courtesy Asian Paints

Lighting

If there is insufficient lighting, the nuances in the artwork are lost and tend to recede to the background. Therefore spotlights on the artwork can make a huge difference in highlighting the work. This is true for all kinds of artworks whether they are paintings, sculptures, murals or even installations. Direct lighting which can heat the artwork should be avoided as it can be damaging, especially in the long term.

This article was published in The Times of India-The Address recently.
Images are sourced from the Internet.

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24 Feb 2014

Art in Interiors: Murals Bring Art to Interiors

A mural can be an extremely versatile way to add artwork to home interiors and should be explored, writes art consultant Nalini S Malaviya

A mural on the wall is an interesting way to introduce art in your surroundings. A slightly off beat option, murals are far less common than paintings on walls. Having a painting done directly on the wall is a long term commitment that you make to the artwork and the artist because it cannot be moved around at whim. Folk and tribal art continues to be the most popular option in murals as these are bright and colourful. Geometric, floral and animal motifs form the narrative and it is fascinating to watch a story unfold which can compellingly draw the viewer in. Contemporary art is also a good option, which one can explore.

Photograph and mural by One Red Shoe- Murals & Artwork, Image source:wikipedia

It can appear a little daunting to have a painting done directly on the walls and some of the issues that come up are –

What about the outcome, is it going to turn out well?
Will it blend with the rest of the décor?
Will it stand out too much and become overwhelming?
And, most importantly what do you do when you get bored with it?

These are all valid questions that one must consider before having a mural painted on a wall inside your home. One of the ways to deal with such a situation is to have the mural painted only at a later stage, for instance when the décor is in place and you have finalized wall colours, drapes and furnishings.

The advantage with a mural is that it offers great flexibility and the ability to complement the existing home décor, and therefore you can easily select themes, motives, colours and the size of the mural based on the space available and the décor. The artist will also have many ideas and will be able to guide you in terms of what is possible and what works best for that particular area. Opt for an artist who has experience in doing murals.

Madhubani folk art mural, Image source http://www.kalamadhyam.org

Interestingly, folk and tribal art works very well in almost every form of décor scheme, and in most parts of the house. For instance, it fits in very well around the main entrance, lounge, dining area and the children’s room. Folk and tribal art with their colourful strokes has a universal appeal and the theme can be adapted to suit the space. Similarly, other art forms can be painted on a wall which needs to be highlighted and can be adapted completely to complement the space available – even if is an odd shape. Columns and pillars, beams and the ceiling can also be painted to create dramatic effects.

A mural can be an extremely versatile way to add artwork to home interiors and should be explored. A few years later you can change it and have a completely new mural in its place.

This article was published in The Times of India-The Address yesterday.
Images are sourced from the Internet.

If you enjoyed reading this article, do share it using the social media widgets at the top and subscribe to receive regular updates from Art Scene India

Related Posts,
Chromatic Frames to Display Art
Art Installations to Complement Home Decor
Art In Home Decor
A Tradition of Textile Art

23 Jan 2014

Art in Interiors: A Tradition of Textile Art

Textile art has a glorious tradition and adds refinement and elegance to home interiors,
writes art consultant Nalini S Malaviya

Artworks made of fabric and textiles are extremely versatile and add a unique flavor to interior decor. Textile art is a popular art form that is desired not only for decorating walls but also to create panels to divide space, lampshades and other objects of décor. Textile art has a rich history and incidentally was also of great significance in commerce and trade in the early days. The art form refers to textiles which are embellished and decorated through various techniques such as weaving, embroidery, dyeing, printing and painting. For instance, the Tibetan Thangka which has religious connotations is a traditional painting on silk which depicts scenes from Buddhist scriptures. Thangkas are beautifully detailed in their narrative and are extremely sought after. These intricately detailed paintings are magnificent when displayed on walls, bringing in historicity and fine symbolism.

Art in Interiors: A Tradition of Textile Art

9 Nov 2013

Festive Home Decor : A tradition of lighting the lamp

In our country, lighting an oil lamp has been an important ritual integral to festivals and ceremonies. The tradition began thousands of years ago and continues to this day, in temples and in homes, especially in the southern part of the country. The ritual of lighting a lamp is a deeply symbolic act of dispelling darkness or ignorance and spreading light or wisdom and knowledge. The mere act of illuminating the area by lighting a lamp is considered propitious and an important part of commencing any auspicious event such as a ceremony or festivity.

There are several types of lamps made of different materials such as clay, silver and brass which have been used traditionally and have specific symbolic associations and are therefore used for varying purposes. Amongst these, a brass lamp is a very popular artifact used in most homes as part of the daily ritual, while the more ornate ones are brought out on special occasions. Lighting a lamp is not necessarily a religious gesture but can be looked upon as a part of a spiritual or meditative process and therefore it is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago.

Deepawali, which is considered to be the festival of lights is a celebration of good over evil and heralds new beginnings, and is celebrated with lights and firecrackers across the length and breadth of the country with great joy and enthusiasm. It is common to see people spring cleaning their homes and decorating with great fervor, and lighting up their homes with diyas and fairy lights.

During this festival, an ornate traditional brass lamp can not only be the centerpiece of the décor but also be an essential part of the festive rituals. Elaborate brass lamps of varying heights either singly or in pairs are a wonderful way to give a traditional touch to interiors and to form a focal point around which the ceremonial aspects of the festival can also be carried out. It is also interesting that there are so many variations of a traditional brass lamp available, with intricate patterns and motifs, which can make these artifacts so stunning and extraordinary. While some may have a traditional vintage feel, there are others which reflect a more contemporary look, but either way one cannot deny that these artifacts go far beyond their functional value and have a delightful old world charm.

(An edited version was published recently in Times of India - The Address)

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