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.

In the context of Kerala Mural art, the Radhe-Krishna Rasleela is a popular subject. 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 flute (bansuri) and the Kadam tree are important symbols in the Rasleela, and Kerala Mural paintings often depict their significance. The artists use these symbols to convey deeper meanings and add layers of symbolism to the portrayal of Radhe-Krishna's divine love and connection.

Flute (Bansuri): Lord Krishna is often depicted playing the flute and it holds great significance in the Rasleela. The flute symbolizes Krishna's divine music, which has the power to captivate the hearts of devotees. The sound of the flute is metaphorically linked to the call of the divine, inviting souls to experience the bliss of spiritual union. In Kerala Mural art, you may see Krishna with a flute in various poses, emphasizing the enchanting music that draws devotees closer to the divine.

In this Kerala mural art painting, the artist has shown the Radhe-Krishna Rasleela. 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.

The artist has skillfully employed the traditional technique of Kerala mural art, incorporating various layers of colours to enhance the detailing and shading in the artwork. It is perfect to portray the Romance of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha.

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 restoration work of Kerala Murals to preserve this heritage art.

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