With numerous cultural art forms unique to its different regions and peoples, India has a lot to offer a connoisseur of the arts. Taking this appreciation a step further, Rooftop app has now introduced DIY, step-by-step books to teach some of these traditional art forms to those keen to learn them.
As one of India’s leading online learning platforms for live art workshops and professionally curated art courses, Rooftop App has always been at the forefront of art teaching in a digital format. This new series launched by them covers various Indian art forms, including Phad, Gond, Warli, Mata Ni Pachedi, and Pichwai.
“The series is divided into three categories, which cater to everyone from beginners to experts. The Elementary level books are designed for children aged between five to ten years, providing age-appropriate content that fosters early artistic development. Geared towards beginner artists, the Essentials level books offer foundational knowledge and skills to kick-start one’s artistic journey. The last category is the Expert level books, which are tailored for those already familiar with a specific art form, but require help to hone their techniques and deepen their understanding of the particular art form,” says Kartik Gaggar, author, founder and CEO of Rooftop app.
The aim of these books is to provide readers with deep insights and practical knowledge, so that their skills can be enhanced even as they learn to appreciate the art works. Further, Gaggar adds, “The Artventures art books complement Rooftop App’s online learning platform, allowing users to explore art at their own pace and delve into new art forms. Our mission is to make art accessible and engaging for everyone, while nurturing a global community of passionate artists and art lovers. Rooftop’s Artventures series draws from firsthand artistic and cultural expertise imparted by master artists from across India. Images featured in the Elementary, Essentials, and Expert books are sourced directly from these esteemed artists with their due permission, and adapted for creative audiences by team Rooftop.”
One can pick from the following titles in this series: ‘The Artventures of Warli’ delves deep into the Warli art form which originates in Maharashtra. “The books in this series will help to make you a master of the art form in no time. The expert edition includes in-depth theory pages laden with origin stories, religious practices, festivals and other knowledge privy only to master artists,” says Gaggar. The various compositions of Warli painting are being taught by master artists like Pravin Mhase, Shadashiv Mhase and Vijay Mhase.
Next up, is ‘Mata ni Pachedi’, which is a detailed and labour-intensive form of art. It was created by the Vaghari community of Gujarat and is based on their own makeshift shrine which depicts the goddess and her hundred forms, as shown on cloth around 300 years ago. “’The Artventures of Mata ni Pachedi’ helps to understand the mythological characters, human figures, flora and fauna used in this art form by covering all the designs and motifs,” explains Gaggar. The works in the series are primarily made by the family of artists known as Chitara. They include Chandrakant, Kiran, Vikram, and Vinod Chitara.
Basic Gond patterns can be learnt through the book ‘The Artventures of Gond’. They are helmed by well-known artist Venkat Raman Singh Shyam. This art form is best known for capturing the complex relationship between humans and nature through the use of bold colours and vibrant patterns. The books include prominent designs and motifs related to Gond art.
Pichwai paintings, the sacred art form that has been revered for centuries, can also be learnt through these Artventure books. Pichwais usually serve as the backdrops for religious shrines of Shrinathji, who is considered the youthful manifestation of Lord Krishna. The books teach students to identify the intricacies and techniques associated with the devotional practices of Shrinathji’s worship under the guidance of master artist Rajaram Sharma.
Last but certainly not the least is the ‘Artventure Book of Phad’. This art form is believed to have originated in Shahpura in the 14th Century, and Phad paintings were originally created by the Chhipa caste of the Mewar region of Rajasthan. Gaggar narrates their story, “These scrolls are used during storytelling performances of Rabari priests and priestesses locally known as bhopas and bhopis who travel from one village to another with these scrolls and instruments like the Ravanhatta for their performance. These books give you an opportunity to learn from master artist Kalyan Joshi who comes from a lineage of Phad painters dating back to the 13th century.”
All the books in the series can be bought from the Rooftop App or ordered online on their website. They are priced at Rs. 999 for Artventures Elementary series, Rs. 1499 for Artventures Essentials series and Rs. 2499 for Artventures Expert series.
The Rooftop app has made a name for itself through its specially curated classes and workshops which help to bridge the gap between artists and art lovers. Their aim is to make art easily accessible and approachable for all those who seek it. The art experiences they curate are designed to fit around the schedules of working people so that users may attend classes whenever they please. On offer are a wide range of courses, which start from live art workshops conducted by passionate and skilled artists and move on to Maestro Courses and Art Therapies for more advanced learners or those looking for something different. Further, one can also connect with other art enthusiasts as part of the exclusive art community thriving here.
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com.