Mythology goes funky

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Shiva’s Marriage Procession by Bharat Tripathi

Art and mythology are inseparable. But, in recent times, Indian mythology has been exposed to reinterpretation. From pop art-inspired shades of the epics to cheerfully endearing cartoons of the Gods, the genre has acquired a funky makeover.

Graphic novelist, Gaman Palem’s recent series on mythological pop art, showcased at the United India Art Fair, drew much attention.
Mythology’s new treatment, believes Gaman, is in sync with the changing world. “The visual format has been constantly evolving. And, diving into one’s own cultural roots and clubbing it with a medium like comics, makes it a visually rich statement,” he explains. Sunitha Tati, the founder of Guru Leela, plans to bring out a set of comics on the temples of India.
“We have wonderful stories to tell. I am planning to come up with a comic novel where the character, Veda The Voyager, is a little girl in pre-Independence India travelling with her archeologist father, narrating stories about different temples,” she says, clearly fascinated.
Sanjay Tulsyan, the curator of ArtChennai, points out that this trend could be a result of artists re-discovering their origins. “Internationally, artists are going back to their roots. There is a lot of material available in our mythology and I think this would help youngsters understand the epics better,” he adds.
Mumbai-based artist Bharat Tripathi’s latest series, The Story of Shiva, captures the Destroyer in an abstract avatar. “When I did the research, I realised that Shiva comes across as a normal man. But when I see him with a snake on his neck, and the Ganga flowing out of his locks, it’s unimaginable. Yet, he also has been described as drinking bhang and smoking a chillum. He represents someone who renounced the world but also one who enjoys all there is in it,” he says. Cartoonist Biswajit Balasubramian interposes that every artist has his or her own take on mythology. “Indian mythology has character and imagery; where there’s enough to draw from and do whatever you want – show emotions or colours. People are getting in touch with mythology more than ever,” he explains. Biswajit’s animated series on Krishna portrays the naughty side of the much-loved deity. “As a cartoonist, I prefer to see the funny side,” he concludes.