The Echoes of Antiquity
The Echoes of Antiquity
How it all started…
Performance art has roots that can be traced back to early 20th-century movements such as Futurism, which embraced the dynamism of modern technology and sought to incorporate it into art. At the core of both performance art and modern graphic design is the exploration of concepts and ideas.
The link between performance art and modern art, including graphic design, is multifaceted, encompassing historical, conceptual, methodological, and technological dimensions. This interconnectedness reflects a broader trend in contemporary art towards interdisciplinary practices, where the blending of mediums and ideas opens up new avenues for exploration and expression.
PRIMITIVE GRID MEETS AVANT GARDE
Initially, my understanding and appreciation of design were profoundly influenced by Western methodologies and perspectives, which made it challenging for me to fully recognise and value the rich cultural heritage and technological sophistication of ancient design practices. These practices, deeply embedded in the daily lives and traditions of various cultures, continue to offer valuable insights and inspiration, yet often remain under-appreciated in contemporary discourse.
I was raised in a land steeped in a tapestry of rich cultures and vibrant diversity, where traditions whispered stories of ancient wisdom and creativity deeply woven into my everyday life. I grew up watching my mother and grandmother create intricate patterns from rice flour on the ground as a part of our festival traditions, which sparked a curiosity and deep passion within me. These designs, rich in history and meaning, became a cherished part of my upbringing.
As I embarked on my final project, I felt a strong pull to explore these age-old practices that had been passed down through generations. The allure of these ancient grid systems, often overshadowed in today's design world, beckoned me to uncover their hidden depths. I sought out to breathe new life into these forgotten grid structures. Using innovative techniques like thermochromic ink on fabric using textile printmaking, risograph printing, performance art and digital media.
My artistic journey was not just about creating visually striking designs; it was a quest to revive lost grid systems that held cosmic and cultural significance. Through my work, I aimed to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary aesthetics, inviting everyone to interact with the indigenous and intricately printed apparel, prints and landscape building. As I navigated through the project, I found myself immersed in a world where sacred geometry intertwined with modern creativity. The grids I worked with were not mere technical tools but vessels carrying centuries of tradition and meaning. From the intricate War Formations depicted in the Padmavyuha grid, labyrinths in underground cities, Dravidian architecture in temples and forts, cathedrals, to the delicate geometric array patterns, each design told a story of resilience and continuity.
In this creative odyssey, I aim to honour the legacy of these ancient civilisations by infusing their grid systems with a new breath of life. My designs are not mere visual expressions; they are tributes to the enduring spirit of cultural heritage that continues to pulse through our modern world. This project holds a special place in my heart as it blends ancient wisdom with avant-garde passion. it was a testament to the timeless beauty and significance of ancient design principles. Through my work, I hoped to inspire others to look beyond the confines of contemporary design norms and embrace the rich tapestry of indigenous creativity that has stood the test of time.
In this heartfelt preface, I invite you to embark on a journey through time and tradition, where ancient grid systems intertwine with modern creativity to create a symphony of design that transcends boundaries and echoes the whispers of our ancestors.
Ancient Indian Grid - Chakravyuha
A multi-tiered grid used as a defensive formation during colonial wars that looks like a blooming lotus or disc when viewed from above.
It was intriguing to discover how a simple fluid grid can be used in something so large scale like War Formations with over a million elements like animals, soldiers, weapons, wooden structures, at the same time used in creating miniature paintings, manuscripts, motifs and inscriptions.
Kolam Dotted Grid
Grid used to create geometric array patterns called kolam that are drawn, with powdered chalk, by South Indian women on the doorstep each morning, to evoke the spirit of order and harmony into the home.
The grids have been used as a base for the theme, that relates very closely to the ancient grid designs, Sacred Geometry. The point of view of modern force-field theory and wave mechanics corresponds to the ancient geometric- harmonic vision of universal order as an interwoven configuration of wave patterns.
Textile printmaking using thermochromic ink on fabric.
Ink colour changes from purple to neon pink when the surface it is applied to reaches or goes above 25ºC.
Throughout the design process, the project emphasises the revival of ancient design practices and their relevance in contemporary design, bridging the gap between historical significance and modern application. The use of thermochromic ink adds an interactive element to the designs, engaging the audience with the transformative nature of the prints based on temperature changes.
Throughout the design process, the project emphasises the revival of ancient design practices and their relevance in contemporary design, bridging the gap between historical significance and modern application. The use of thermochromic ink adds an interactive element to the designs, engaging the audience with the transformative nature of the prints based on temperature changes.
The grids have been used as a base for the theme, that relates very closely to the ancient grid designs, Sacred Geometry. The point of view of modern force-field theory and wave mechanics corresponds to the ancient geometric- harmonic vision of universal order as an interwoven configuration of wave patterns.
The fundamental role of geometry and proportion becomes even more evident when we consider that moment by moment, year by year, every atom of every molecule of both living and inorganic substance is being changed and replaced. Every one of us within the next five to seven years will have a completely new body, down to the very last atom. Geometric diagrams can be contemplated as still moments revealing a continuous, timeless, universal action generally hidden from our sensory perception. Thus a seemingly common mathematical activity can become a discipline for intellectual and spiritual insight.