Ritual Floor Painting from India

When

Tuesday August 15, 2017: 7:00pm to 8:30pm  Add to Calendar /   Add to Google Calendar

Where

Downtown Library: Secret Lab

Description

What are the stories, traditions, and meanings behind the art of ritual floor painting? This interactive talk by Dr. Paroma Chatterjee will explore the various kinds of ritual floor paintings from India, such as mandalas, alpana, and rangoli, which use natural materials such as rice, flowers, and vegetable paints to create beautiful (but temporary) images.

A live demonstration of floor painting with artist Meena Khasnabis will take place in the Secret Lab immediately following the talk. There will also be a hands-on opportunity for attendees to try floor painting for themselves. Materials will be provided.

This event is held in conjunction with Rasa, an innovative India-themed multi-arts festival, produced by Akshara, and held annually in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti in September. It is designed to promote a deeper awareness and appreciation for the effulgent richness and abundance of cultural heritage that stems from India. It is multi-arts and multi-disciplinary, presenting traditional as well as cutting edge work in performing, visual, literary, media/films, and culinary arts, in partnership with prominent Ann Arbor arts organizations.

Participating artists in the festival are local, national, and international Indo-American artists, artists from India as well as those who are highly inspired by Indian culture. It is a collaborative initiative, working through partnerships with key local organizations such as the Michigan Theater, Kerrytown Concert House, the Riverside Arts Center, White Lotus Farms, Faber Institute, Literati Bookstore, and chef, food visionary, scientist and founder of two Ann Arbor restaurants, Dr. Swaroop Bhojani.