The Dubai International Art Centre is currently hosting Rang-De-Gulal, an exhibition celebrating India’s diverse folk art traditions. Organized by the Indian Folk Art Corridor, the event features 24 Indian artists, offering a global platform for traditional art forms deeply rooted in the country’s cultural heritage.
The exhibition presents a variety of regional styles, each with its own distinct storytelling and visual elements. Among them is Theyyam art from Kerala, a dynamic ritualistic tradition known for its elaborate face painting, striking costumes, and bold use of red, orange, and gold, symbolizing energy and transformation. Kerala’s mural paintings, which often depict intricate scenes of Hindu deities, are also prominently displayed. A unique piece within this genre captures both Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, two classical dance forms of Kerala, blending them into a single composition in the traditional mural style.
From Rajasthan, Phad art is a storytelling scroll painting style that visually narrates epic tales. One particular work illustrates the Hanuman Chalisa with Aarti, bringing to life key episodes of Lord Hanuman’s divine feats through intricate details and vibrant colours. Also from Rajasthan, Kishangarh art pays homage to Holi, depicting Radha, Krishna.
Gujarat’s Lippan art, a traditional mud-relief craft known for its use of mirror inlays, is represented through a stunning depiction of the Tree of Life. The artwork symbolises nature’s interconnectedness with spirituality and cultural heritage, highlighting the eternal cycle of life, growth, and renewal. Meanwhile, Madhubani (Mithila) art from Bihar, recognized for its geometric patterns and mythological themes, adds to the exhibition’s diversity, as does Bengal’s Kalighat painting. The exhibition also includes Buddha paintings, where the spiritual leader is portrayed in a tranquil meditative posture, radiating inner peace and enlightenment. Complementing the visual experience, Gond art from Central India features intricate depictions of nature and folklore, while Dot Mandala artworks use colourful dots to create symmetrical, meditative designs.
The exhibition underscores the strengthening cultural ties between India and the UAE, highlighting Dubai’s role as a thriving hub for artistic exchange. By offering Indian folk artists an international stage, the event fosters cross-cultural appreciation and economic opportunities, reinforcing the shared artistic heritage between the two nations. The Indian Folk Art Corridor, founded by Indian artist and curator Smt Vidisha Pandey, leads this initiative, aiming to promote India’s traditional arts globally and ensure their preservation for future generations.
