For artist Swati Athale, creating a picture can be as simple as drawing the shapes we all know, such as circles or squares. This is true, she says, even for traditional, intricate Indian works, such as the Warli tribal paintings and well-known Madhubani paintings.
“They are more simple and each painting has similarity, relying on the geometry,” Athale, a professional graphic designer, who was trained at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and in fine arts at Nagpur University of India.
“If I want to make a fish, that goes with geometric shapes,” Athale explained. “It’s easier to convey.”
Athale introduced the Warli and Madhubani styles of art at a talk called “Prachin Kala,” or “The Ancient Arts of India,” at the Woburn Public Library on May 9, as part of a series of events for Discover India by the India Association of Greater Boston.
The lineup of events at the library also includes a demonstration on the dances of India – such as Bharatanatyam – by Jasmine Shah, the founder of Aangikam Dance Academy on May 16.
“I’ve been teaching in this area for 43 years,” Shah told Sampan, noting that she will talk about classical, as well as folk styles.
Next on May 23, the series will host a demonstration of Indian music with musicians Deepali Khanzode, a scientist by profession who is trained in Hindustani vocals and the sitar; Anish Khanzode, an engineer by profession who studies Hindustani classical music and other styles; and Yogesh Karale, who plays the tabla.
The Discover India Series, which kicked off on May 2, will run through December, and offer workshops on India’s arts, culture, music, traditions, festivals, outfits, foods, and movies at various public libraries in the region.
All events in May are being held at the Woburn Public Library at 45 Pleasant St., Woburn. More information can be found at https://woburnpubliclibrary.org/events-calendar/ and at https://www.iagb.org/event/iagb-dis-discover-india-series-may-dec-2024/.
Founded in 1962, the nonprofit India Association of Greater Boston says it aims to “foster a strong Indian-American social, cultural and community presence in New England” and hosts festivals and special events, and is now well known for its annual India Day celebration in Boston in August, which this year will be held on Aug. 17.
