About Art:-
Kerala mural paintings are a type of art done in temples for more than 2000 years by local artists and passed down through families. These paintings are famous for being beautiful, clear, and symmetrical. They were used to show stories from religion and mythology on the walls of temples and churches in South India starting from the 8th century. The artists who create these traditional murals are highly skilled and creative, making this art form a valuable part of Kerala's heritage.

In this art, artists use traditional colours like red, yellow ochre, green, blue, white, and black. This set of colours is called "panchvarna," meaning five-coloured. Colours are essential in Kerala mural painting, bringing energy and liveliness to the detailed artwork. The colour palette of these paintings is a mix of lively shades, mainly drawn from the beauty of nature. Initially, artists used traditional mineral pigments, but nowadays, modern acrylic and oil-based paints are also used.

A traditional mural is an artwork painted or applied directly onto walls, ceilings or any other permanent surface. In murals, architectural elements of the given space are harmoniously incorporated into its creation. Among murals, the ones from Kerala stand out for their finesse.

Kerala Mural paintings are a distinctive form of art that originated in the southern Indian state of Kerala. They often depict religious themes and mythological stories, including episodes from the life of Lord Krishna and the Rasleela. The art form is characterized by vibrant colours, intricate details, and a flat, stylized representation.

The visual representation of Radha and Krishna in a dancing pose captures the joy, bliss, and harmony of their eternal love. The divine couple is often portrayed in vibrant and dynamic poses, symbolizing the cosmic dance of love and the interconnectedness of the spiritual and material worlds. The image serves as a powerful symbol of devotion, love, and the union between the individual soul and the divine.

 Artists depict various episodes from the Rasleela on walls and canvases, showcasing the divine love and playful interactions between Radha and Krishna. The artists use a unique colour palette, with bold and bright colours, to bring out the richness of the narrative.

"Rasleela" refers to a traditional form of dance-drama in Indian culture that depicts the divine love between the Hindu deities Radha and Krishna. The term "Ras" refers to the divine essence or the aesthetic emotions, and "Leela" means play or divine pastime. Radha and Krishna are central figures in Hindu mythology, with Krishna being an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Radha being his divine consort.

The Radhe-Krishna Rasleela is a popular theme in Indian classical performing arts, including dance and drama. It is particularly celebrated in the context of classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi. The Rasleela narrates the romantic and spiritual love story between Radha and Krishna, symbolizing the divine union of the soul (atma) with the supreme consciousness (Paramatma).

Rasleela has deep spiritual and cultural significance, it is also a form of artistic expression that has been passed down through generations, evolving in various regional styles and interpretations. The Radhe-Krishna Rasleela remains a timeless and cherished theme in Indian classical arts, reflecting the beauty of divine love and devotion.

The painting portrays a beautiful depiction of the divine love in Krishna-Radha Rasleela. The divine dance of Radha-Krishna, known as Raasleela, is a subject that has inspired various forms of exquisite artistic expression in Hindu literary traditions. Raslila serves as a unique portrayal of the love story between Radha and Krishna, conveying a profound message of devotion and beauty. Its significance is deeply embedded in art and culture.

In this Kerala mural art painting, the artist has shown the Radhe-Krishna Rasleela in a dancing position. The elements in the painting have hidden meanings that make it more symbolic and beautiful. The artists are using their talents to not just capture the physical beauty of the divine couple but also to express the deeper spiritual and symbolic aspects of their love and divine connection.

In this painting, the artist has adeptly used traditional methods like arranging colours, applying and incorporating various layers of shading, intricate detailing, and outlining with black—a technique commonly known as the "Murshidal process."

Saju is a student of the famed Guruvayur temple Devaswom-run Institute of Mural Painting with extensive training in fine arts, art history and mural art. The temple, which is renowned for its exquisite murals, set up the Institute in 1989 to train youngsters and preserve the ancient art form. He is also actively involved in the restoration work of Kerala Murals to preserve this heritage art.

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