Hope for folk art's future

Indigenous Indian folk art has existed for more than 3000 years, but the traditional art form is diminishing.  

Artist and founder of the International Indian Folk Art Gallery Senthil Vel said folk art was the backbone of Indian culture.

‘Folk art represents our rich culture, and we are seeing a decline in the number of artists in this creative industry,’ he said.  

Indian folk art combines art, dance, music and performance to tell stories of culture and history.  

‘For thousands of years, folk art has entertained and educated people on what is right and what is wrong,’ Mr Vel said.  

‘However, we are seeing a decline in artists who can tell the stories to the next generation.’ 

In 2019, Mr Vel returned to India to visit his guru, a mentor who taught him the art of Tanjore painting, and was horrified to see his store closed. 

‘When I went back to see him, I was so disappointed that he was no longer making a living from his art,’ he said.  

‘That moment was a wake-up call. I realised that I needed to do something.’ 

For the past five years, Mr Vel has been working to revive the 3000-year-old practice.  

Through collaborations with artists, researchers and cultural institutions, the International Indian Folk Art Gallery provides financial and promotional support to artisans, ensuring that their skills and knowledge are passed down to future generations. 

‘If we don’t preserve this art form, then there’ll be nothing to show,’ Mr Vel said.  

Mr Vel said putting on this exhibition at Parliament House was a dream come true. 

The exhibition included the works of 20 artists, three local including Mr Vel and the remainder from India.