Showing posts with label Latest culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Latest culture. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Art and Culture

The origin of the word "art" can be traced back to the old English "thou art" which means "you are". Again, art as in "fine arts" owes its root to the Latin "ars" or "artis". However, in comparison to the dual meanings in which we may express the word, the second meaning has remained unchanged with the process of time. The word "culture" however originated from the Latin language. It said to have a Latin base "colere" which means to inhabit, to cultivate, or to honor. Broadly it can be said to be a human activity carrying several meanings and definitions.

The two distinct words "art and culture" if linked with each other, it exhibits two distinct concepts

  • Art may be a product of the extensive culture (cultivation) of human sentiments.

  • Culture of different strata of society at different places at different time has been expressed in art.
  • Art can be said to be a "result" of extensive culture of human emotions, sentiment and thought of an artist, supplemented with the artist's skill. It is a product of an artist's cultivation of different strata of society at various moments. Thus if one can culture on society at different situation, he can generate a good piece of art .So we may say that "art is a reflection of society" at different time.

    Practically time being the dictator in the evolution of society; it also influences a product of art. The classical period was a period of reason, order and rules.
    Art has thereby exhibited such meanings at that time.

    The Romantic period being a period of reasoning, so the dominant subject of art was emotion, adventure and imagination. Art in its cultural form gained impetus during the renaissance. Again, the 19th century culture was the theory of truth and beauty thus the form of art that came up during this period was based on "truth" and "beauty".

    Early 20th century culture brought forth the concept of modernism -this is the time, when the human nature was undergoing turmoil. The bizarre mundane society was undergoing a deviation from humanity at this time. The late 20th century is the postmodern period The puzzled society is now trapped in such a ditch that an exit from this phase is next to impossible. Men are said to have been transformed into robots. Junked up with work pressure they have little or no time to cherish their emotions and sentiments .The work of art that comes up at this stage are to call up an attention to human sentiment and art at large. The overall disjointed sentiment when cultured by an artist; it is reflected in the works of art through abstract expressions, images, ideas and concepts.

    Besides, a piece of art may also echo a specific culture. We may find several piece of art vividly exposing the "Byzantine culture". Again a work of art might focus on "Iranian culture", "western culture" or "modern culture" and so on. Moreover the art of working in a particular place at a particular time is the work culture. Likewise we have club culture or organizational culture.

    Actually art in its own form has developed itself with its multicultural heritage over time. Thus, it is worth saying that both art and culture are complimentary to each other and an overall support to each other to attain some sort of fulfillment at large.

    Thursday, September 18, 2008

    About Realistic Painting



    1 A photograph is an easy way to remember something. Another way to remember something is by painting a picture of it. Long ago, before cameras, that is what artists did. Painting realistically is not that easy. So keep your camera handy just in case!

    2 Artists have painted realistically for centuries. Many of the best realistic artists lived during the Renaissance. Their paintings were elegant and beautiful. People who study art called this kind of painting Ideal Realism. That was just a fancy way to say that these artists knew how to paint very well. Some of their paintings looked almost like photographs. Renaissance artists had a lot of skill.

    3 The word "renaissance" is French. It means "rebirth." The Renaissance covers the time from the early 14th century to the late 16th century. Many scientists and artists studied Greece and Rome. They liked classical things from ancient times. They also liked to discover how things worked. Some artists even dissected bodies to learn about anatomy.

    4 These artists thought the human body was the "noblest living form." One artist named Leonardo da Vinci drew a picture that showed this idea. He thought that the proportions of the human body were a good way to measure everything. He thought that the circle and the square were the basis for many things in science and in nature. So he drew a man who fit exactly inside a circle if his arms and legs were spread out. The man fit exactly inside a square when his feet were together and his arms were straight out from his sides.

    5 Leonardo loved art and science. He liked to paint. He liked to invent, too. He even tried to invent flying machines. Leonardo's ideas filled many notebooks. He also painted amazingly realistic art. He liked to draw plants. He did sketches of muscles and bones. He drew raging storms. And he also painted the mysterious Mona Lisa. This famous portrait shows a lady with an odd smile. It is now in the Louvre in Paris.

    Wednesday, July 30, 2008

    Culture of Orissa

    Culture of Orissa - The sacred environs of Lord Jagannath temple, the eroticism of Konark's Sun temple, the wondrous caves of Jainism, the mystical monasteries of Buddhism, the paintings of folklore and the weaver's magic; all stand as meek evidences of an eloquent past and continuing golden present of Orissa.

    Expressions of the soul find way in the form of indigenous theatres namely 'Prahalad-Nataka' or the 'Dhanuyatra' here. Dance and music form an inseparable part of the rich culture of the state. The exotic classical dance of the region evolved from the cult of the 'devadasis' or female temple dancers. Folk dances like 'Chhow' and 'Sambalpuri' along with tribal dances like 'Ghumura' & 'Paraja' leave every spirit truly elated. Then there are fairs like 'Bali Jatra' that come as a reminder of an ancient maritime links with Bali. And to crown it all is the universally-acclaimed 'Rathyatra' of Lord Jagannath which has become an absolute synonym to Orissan culture.

    Tuesday, July 22, 2008

    Hindu Culture


    The Meaning of Culture

    Each of the religions of the world has its own culture, with many customs, traditions and refined qualities. The Hindu culture is a culture of love, respect, honoring others and humbling one's own ego so that the inner nature, which is naturally pure and modest, will shine forth. Here we have described some of the important faith and behaviors of Hindu community.

    RESPECT AND REVERENCE

    1. RESPECT FOR ELDERS: Respect for elders is a keystone of Hindu culture. This genuine acknowledgment of seniority is demonstrated through endearing customs, such as sitting to the left of elders, bringing gifts on special occasions, not sitting while they are standing, not speaking excessively, not yawning or stretching, not putting one's opinions forward strongly, not contradicting or arguing, seeking their advice and blessings, giving them first choice in all matters, even serving their food first.

    2. NAME PROTOCOL: Younger never uses the proper name of their elders. In the Tamil tradition, a younger brother, for example, refers to his brother as annan, or periannan (older brother), not by name. The elder, however, may use the name of the younger. Children are trained to refer to all adults as auntie or uncle. Only people of the same age will address each other by first name. A Hindu wife never speaks the name of her husband. When referring to him she uses terms such as "my husband," "him" or, for example, "Athan, Mama, etc.,".

    3. TOUCHING FEET IN RESPECT: One touches the feet of holy men and women in recognition of their great humility and inner attainment. A dancer or a musician touches the feet of his or her teacher before and after each lesson. Children prostrate and touch the feet of their mother and father at festivals and at special times, such as birthdays and before departing on a journey.

    4. Darshan (darshana): "Vision, sight." Seeing the Divine. Beholding, with inner or outer vision, a temple image, Deity, holy person or place, with the desire to inwardly contact and receive the grace and blessings of the venerated being or beings.

    5. DAKSHINA: It is tradition to provide dakshina, a monetary fee or gift to a priest given at the completion of any rite. Dakshina is also given to gurus as a token of respect for their spiritual blessings.

    Purity

    Purity and its opposite, pollution, are vitally important in Hindu culture. Purity is of three forms -- purity in mind, speech and body, or thought, word and deed. Purity is the pristine and natural state of the soul. Impurity, or pollution, is the obscuring of this state by adulterating experience and beclouding conceptions.

    In daily life, the Hindu strives to protect this innate purity by wise living, following the codes of dharma. This includes harnessing the sexual energies, associating with other virtuous Hindu devotees, never using harsh, angered or indecent language, and keeping a clean and healthy physical body. Here are several ways purity is preserved in Hindu culture.

    1.PURITY AND FOOD: Purity is central to food and nutrition, as the nature of one's nourishment deeply affects the entire physical, mental and emotional nature. One cooking food for others would never taste of the dish from a spoon and then put the spoon back in the pot. If food is to be tasted while cooking, a small portion is placed in the right hand. Similarly, one would not touch the lips to a water vessel that is also used by others. Nor would one offer something to another from which one has taken a bite or a sip.

    2. FLOWER OFFERINGS: One does not sniff flowers picked for offering to the Deities; even the smell is for the Gods, not for us. Flowers that fall to the ground should not be offered.

    3. OFFERINGS: Offerings, such as an archana basket, flowers or garlands, are carried with both hands on the right side of the body, so as to not be breathed on. All items are washed in preparation and, if carried more than a short distance, wrapped or covered.

    4. THE LEFT HAND: In Hindu culture the left hand is considered impure because it is used (with water) in the place of toilet paper for personal hygiene after answering the call of nature. Handing another person anything with the left hand may be considered a subtle insult.

    5. SHOES: Shoes are considered impure. The cultured Hindu never wears shoes or sandals inside a temple or shrine, nor in his home or the homes of other Hindus. Carrying shoes in the hands from one part of the premises to another is also avoided. An ultimate insult is to be struck with a shoe.

    6. CAUTION WITH FOOTWEAR: It is very important to apologize immediately if one touches someone with his or her shoe or sandal. This is done by touching the right hand to where the foot touched the other person and then touching one's right hand lightly to his own left eye and then the right. This same remedy applies to inadvertently hitting someone with the hand or foot or bumping into him or her.

    EXCHANGE OF PRANA

    1. GIVING AND RECEIVING WITH BOTH HANDS: Giving and accepting things from one to another, presenting offerings to the Deity, etc., is most properly done with both hands. The reason for this is that with the gift, prana is also given through both hands, thus endowing more energy to the object. The recipient of the gift receives it with both hands along with the prana from the gracious giver. It is known that this exchange of energies is vital for friendship, harmony and the total release of the gift to the recipient. Hindus never accept gifts from strangers or unknown persons.

    2. Hugging and Embracing: Hugging and embracing is found in Hindu culture; but it is restricted to close relatives, Guru/disciples and associates that too in a private place. In Mahabharatha and Ramayana we find this very often. Hugging and Embracing improves pranic energy and this practice is not allowed with strangers.

    3. NOT POINTING THE FINGER: Pointing with the forefinger of the right hand or shaking the forefinger in emphasis while talking is never done. This is because the right hand possesses a powerful, aggressive pranic force, and an energy that moves the forces of the world. Pointing the index finger channels that force into a single stream. The harshness of this energy would be severely felt in the nerve system of the recipient. More properly, rather than pointing or shaking the index finger to give direction or emphasize a verbal statement, the entire hand is used as a pointer, with the palm up and the thumb held alongside the forefinger.

    Monday, June 23, 2008

    Defence against Divorce

    What struck me most about the old lady’s tale was the simplicity and strength of this woman who was able to publish an autobiography, in spite of being unlettered. Her annals are testimony to how she escaped the negativity associated with personal struggles, by forgiving and forgetting all her wrong-doers.

    Quite often, we hear people saying that they are willing to forgive but never forget. I often wonder how it’s possible to forgive people without forgetting. If you do not forget, you are most likely to recollect bygone occurrences at some point of time; and with every reminder you would experience afresh the associated pain. Forgiving in such a situation is impossible.

    Moreover, non-forgetting the past fills you up with anger and unhappiness. Angry and unhappy people seriously jeopardise their relationships with others, especially their marital relationship, for the success of a marriage depends on the development of your ability to move on in life. True forgiveness, therefore, comes from forgetting.

    Monday, June 16, 2008

    Culctural Programs

    Are you looking to find an ITV arts culture program/show on TV? If you are, then let's translate what this concept entails and how to do it. First of all, the BBC2, in 2004, began an arts and culture program/show on TV called The Culture Show. This program caught on rather quickly with musicians, directors, and artists, who had become disenchanted with the BBC4's previous arts and culture show, which had been started in 2001. To now top it off, you can subscribe to ITV right on your home computer and receive ITV along with the BBC1, BBC2, and BBC4 channels. Then, after subscribing to receive these channels on your computer through ITV, you will be able to view the BBC2's arts and culture program The Culture Show. Sound like a deal? Well, it is.

    For those interested in receiving this special offer, it is offered online at Live Uk TV, live.uk.tv. You can now view the four channels on your computer 24/7 for approximately $45 per month. The website has a selection of ITV shows that are viewed on each of the channels at this website, and signing up is easy as pie.

    There's no better way to view TV than on your computer now where this super BBC deal gives you all the BBC channels that you'll ever want. So next time that you want to view an ITV arts culture program/show on TV, just go onto

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    Wednesday, May 14, 2008

    Punjabi Wedding

    Punjabi Wedding Ceremony is a very lively yet a simple function and is celebrated with lots of relish. The wedding ceremony consists of many rituals, which have a distinct significance and charm. These weddings due to their colorful manner have got a prominent place in Indian movies.
    Pre Wedding Rituals in Punjabi Wedding :-

    1:-Roka:- Roka ceremony is performed on a mutually convenient chosen date as `shubh muhurat`. This function is attended by family members and close friends for basically exchanging gifts and cash. Roka ceremony is engagement between the alliances and since that day they are allowed to court. The wedding date is fixed after roka.

    Sagan:- The ceremony usually takes at the groom`s house. Sacred fire ceremony named "havan" is performed. The girl`s father applies the "tikka" (made of kesar, rice grains and flower petals) on the boy`s forehead who takes the blessing from the girl`s family members. Each of the relatives and friends present from the girl`s side then offers mithai to the boy and gives cash.

    Chunni Chadana
    Chunni Chadana On this occasion, the boy`s parents and relatives visit the girl`s house. The boy`s sister or sister in law presents the bride a red "chunni" or a red sari. After dressing the girl in clothes brought by the boy`s family, they lead her to the venue of the ceremony where the groom`s mother gives her gifts and adorns her with jewellery. The boy and the girl exchange rings and the girl is given gifts, in cash and kind, by all those present from the boy`s side.
    Sangeet
    SangeetSangeet is one of the interesting and fun filled part of the marriage ceremony. Before the wedding day after Sagan on every night till the wedding day, the relatives and friends get together for singing sessions both at the boy`s as well as the girl`s house. One day is fixed for special sangeet session which is attended and celebrated by both the sides together.

    Mehendi
    MehendiMehendi is applied on the bride`s hands and feet either by a family member or by a professional but the important factor is that the Mehendi is sent by the boy`s side as part of the kwar dhoti, sent by the boy`s family on the wedding day.

    Friday, May 2, 2008

    French Film Festival


    The High Museum of Art presents French Film Yesterday and Today beginning Friday, April 13, through Saturday, April 21. The series’ four films include a treasured masterpiece and fresh, contemporary productions, including “The Rules of the Game,” one of France’s most influential films of all time, and “Lemming,” which was selected to open the 2005 Cannes Film Festival.

    “This year’s French Film Yesterday and Today offers lovers of contemporary French cinema the pleasure of seeing some of that country’s greatest talents—Isabelle Huppert, Charlotte Rampling, Charlotte Gainsbourgh and Catherine Frot—at work in a trio of brilliantly acted movies,” said Linda Dubler, Curator of Media Arts at the High. “In addition, those who enjoy the classics shouldn’t miss ‘The Rules of The Game,’ Jean Renoir’s masterpiece, routinely cited as one of the ten greatest films ever, finally presented in a newly restored 35mm print.”


    April 10 and April 12, La Moustache

    Directed by Emmanuel Carrère

    - A successful architect, Marc finds his world improbably unraveling over a trifle: his wife, smart, self-assured Agnes, fails to recognize that he’s shaved his mustache. Unnerved by her silence, he presses her to comment on his new look, and she replies insistently that he’s always been smooth-lipped. Thus begins the steady erosion of Marc’s sanity, along with his once happy, even passionate, marriage. In the L.A. Times, Kevin Thomas called this witty psychological mystery “a deliciously unsettling, beautifully sustained enigma, a film of much beauty and flawless performances.” (France, 2005, 87 minutes.) In French, English, and Cantonese with subtitles.


    April 11, Forever

    Directed by Heddy Honigmann

    - Paris’s Père Lachaise cemetery, the final resting place of Jim Morrison, Proust, Modigliani, and Chopin, is the inspiration for Dutch filmmaker Heddy Honigmann’s tender documentary Forever. With generosity and warmth, the filmmaker records her encounters with pilgrims at the graves of the famous and conversations with locals who tend the plots of their loved ones. Among others, we meet an Iranian-born cab driver paying homage to his countryman, the exiled poet Sadegh Hedayat; a Japanese pianist devoted to Chopin; an embalmer who visits the remains of the artist Modigliani to find inspiration for his work on faces; and a tart-tongued, humorous Parisienne whose husband is buried in the neighborhood of rocker Jim Morrison. In a Salon.com review, Andrew O’Hehir called Forever “One of the purest, most moving motion pictures of the year.” (Netherlands, 2006, 95 minutes.) In French and English with subtitles.


    April 18, Gabrielle

    Directed by Patrice Chéreau

    - Drawn from a story by Joseph Conrad, this elegant, chilly chamber drama directed by Patrice Chereau could be called “Scenes from a Marriage: Belle Époque.” The year is 1912, the place Paris, and the setting the exquisitely appointed household of a model couple, Jean (Pascal Greggory) and Gabrielle (Isabelle Huppert). They’re famous for their weekly salon, where self-designated intellectuals spar over the latest ideas, and admired for their wealth and sophistication. But theirs is an empty marriage, doomed by Jean’s iciness, summed up in his attitude that emotion is revolting. When Gabrielle inevitably strays, he discovers that though he never believed in love, he may not be able to live without it. (France, Germany, Italy, 2005, 90 minutes.) In French with subtitles.


    Thursday, April 24, 2008

    Singing Auditions - Dance Auditions - Online Vocal Exercises 641

    Foxtrot is one of the a lot of attractive and a lot of difficult present amphitheater rhythms. The foxtrot is a area for all added dances; the Foxtrot is a actual accepted ball that includes elements set up in a lot of added types of dancing. Foxtrot is danced to apathetic 4/4 time accord and is comprised of bendable and unsolidified beeline travels. It is accurate that a foxtrot is declared to be added askew than a active walk, but both of them are "broken gaits".

    The foxtrot is sophisticated, alluringly striking, which is actually superb watching the adroit apathetic dance; it is the ball to which all amphitheater dancers aspire. The foxtrot is a actual bland ball and there have to be no jumpiness. Apathetic foxtrot is the accustomed ball abounding acquisition the a lot of challenging, and a lot of worthwhile.

    The axiological affair that comes to apperception if bookish of a academic dance, dark abrasion and superb hall, anniversary being thinks of the foxtrot. North American dancing styles aperture the underarm turns area anniversary one of the ally can cut off from one any added and ball nakedly.

    They affected the ball and the top of the dancing Earth were anon annoying to abduction the abnormal address of accomplishment of the Foxtrot. The foxtrot is a fashionable ball these canicule because it is awful accepted by continued and abounding engagements which are a appropriate of the slow-quick-quick rhythm. The foxtrot is an American ball consisting of abbreviate and continued accomplish with the adventitious glides and slides. Is a basal ball from which you can access a acceptable organization? Abounding humans yield ball acquaint are a acceptable ball such as foxtrot to prime for the "elementary dance" at a marriage party.

    The foxtrot is a ball with anchored expression; the foxtrot is artistic and enjoyable, while improvising aural the exhausted of the melody. The foxtrot is one the alone dances eminent for actuality one of the capital dances to affiliate both the quick's and slows into the arrangement of the dance.

    A middling-rapidity bland or boilerplate dance, the foxtrot has both a box- footfall basal and a advancing (bold-moving) basal step.

    During the beat era, foxtrot was the a lot of accepted ball in the ballroom, until the ballrooms started article slap.

    The foxtrot is a adroit and abstract ball that is added arduous than new forms of ballroom. The Foxtrot is one of the a lot of ambiguous dances as it looks actual easy, but is one of the a lot of difficult dances to do. The foxtrot is still the a lot of accepted amphitheater ball of all. The complete allurement of Foxtrot is the amazing array of interpretations there can be of what is about such a simple dance.

    Monday, April 7, 2008

    Rajasthani culture

    The most colorful region in India . An exotic land of valiance and chivalry. A land endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces and waves of sand dunes and serene lakes. The State represents an unusual diversity in all its forms-people, culture, customs, costumes, cuisine, dialects and music.

    Rajasthan, a land of princes, palaces and preening peacocks is renowned for its monuments, art and culture that go back to several centuries. Admire a range of miniature paintings and frescoes of exquisite refinement. There is romance in Rajasthan's forts and palaces and arts of gallantry retold in ballads and legends. Then there are sanctuaries sheltering rich and varied species of flora and fauna. And the shimmering Thar desert belt charms with a rare and amazing sight.

    Rajasthanis are a handsome people with colorful costumes. They express themselves in color and sound not easily seen or heard anywhere else in the country. Rajasthan overwhelms with color found in bustling bazaars; in wide ranging costumes of its people; in streets where elephants and camels vie with buses and cars. The irresistible gamut of Rajasthan art and handicraft souvenirs will bewitch you. An exciting variety of Rajasthani delicacies will pamper your palate with a never-before gastronomic delight.

    Friday, April 4, 2008

    Museum of Miniatures

    This little-known and mostly unadvertised gem is securely hidden within the courtyard of the Strahov Monastery. It took me three attempts to find and finally enter the place but I can guarantee you that it was well worth the effort.

    Equipped with microscopes and magnifying glasses, this bite-sized museum dedicates its viewing space to the inconceivably small. Most of the 30 or so pieces on display have been painstakingly produced by world record-holding Siberian Anatoly Konyenko. He uses self-designed instruments that have even been employed in eye surgery and has spent up to seven years on one work alone. One particularly time-consuming piece is a flea sporting golden horseshoes and grasping a key, padlock and tiny scissors in his minute paws. The horseshoes measure a slight 0.25 x 0.25 millimeters each and the scissors are just 0.9 millimeters long.

    Other highlights include the smallest book in the world; the Lord's Prayer written on a single piece of hair (I'm not kidding!); a train with passengers, riding on a hair, placed in the eye of a needle; and a mini Eiffel Tower - you guessed it - in the eye of a needle. So as not to further spoil the surprise, I won't divulge any more of the museum's collection, but I'm sure you can see a pattern emerging.

    This place is astonishing and generally quite empty - unless, as I did, you arrive at the same time as a tour group seemingly composed of the entire population of Slovakia.I realize that most of you are probably laughing your pants off at this point - I had to laugh too, and I'm still laughing now - but that doesn't mean that this place isn't amazing. The Miniatures Museum will definitely be one of the most memorable places you ever visit.

    Monday, March 17, 2008

    Art's Impact On Society

    Art reflects life. It is a portrait of history, whether it is history of the current moment or an event in the past or something of the imagination. Art has captured an event, clarifying its existence and representation to society. The portraits of the French Revolution by David, Benjamin West's portrayal of the death of General Wolfe and Poussin's recreation of the Rape of the Sabine Women all strive to provide a version of historical events. Society, in turn, can accept or reject these portrayals of true events.

    Sometimes, as in the case of Goya's depiction of the French behavior during their conquest of Spain, art inspires a deep hatred of a certain nationality.Art encapsulate a country's culture during that time period. Rembrandt, Rousseau, Monet, Hogarth, Whistler, Jan Steen, Frans Hal and Breughel depict for their generation the world as they see it. They affect future society by providing concise, if sometimes imaginative, depictions of daily life. Brughel the Elder paints peasants, Jean Baptiste depicts lower-class life and Daumier's subjects in "The Third Class Carriage" are not the lofty work of Gainsborough. The wit and graphicness of Hogarth in "The Rake's Progress" or the imposing work of Thomas Eakins' "The Gross Clinic" provide historians with clues and pictures to a vastly different way of life.

    Art has encouraged feelings of patriotism and national pride. Goya's, "The Third of May, 1808," the Americans portrayal of their revolution and countless other artists across the centuries have provided an impact extending beyond the work. Depictions of Washington crossing the Delaware, and portraits of battlefields, at home and abroad, are scenes that inspire society. These works also remind the public of their past, what has been sacrificed or accomplished and what they can aspire to in the present or future.

    Artwork has allowed us to glimpse lives and lifestyles. At one time, dressmakers in the colonies used the artwork found in magazines and depicted in reproductions of paintings to create the latest in fashionable clothing. In the same manner, George Caleb Bingham with his painting "Fur Traders on the Mississippi" allowed Europeans a glimpse of another life. The art works by the Jewish artists trapped in the concentration camps of World War II preserve for all time the horrors of war and the inhumanity inflicted by one race upon another. Art has also been a medium to help spread a culture. Art of propaganda during war is a classic example. Posters urge people to support their troops. Marketing ploys ask consumers to buy locally or purchase a specific product.

    Saturday, February 9, 2008

    Indian Culture and Styles

    Each region of India has a definitive style and culture which is echoed throughout the aesthetics of its homes. Kerala, on the southwestern coast, is known for its wooden houses which delight in strong lines with few flourishes, In Kashmir, Himalayan flora inspires delicate embroidered shapes mimicking the leaves of the chinar tree flowers and fruit designs appear in embroidery, carving and moldings, and embellish homes and houseboats of the state.
    Cultural Influences
    Indian culture has also been influenced by the influx of many cultures over many centuries. The Muslim influence is evident in the arches, domes and ornate filigrees seen throughout north India, where the Mughals ruled for over four centuries. Then came the Europeans; first the Portuguese (in search of spices) in 1497 who colonized Goa, Daman and Diu; then the Dutch in 1595, and the British who established their East India Company on the last day of 1600. 19th century colonial influence brought a love of both the Gothic and the baroque. As a result, it is not surprising to find a stiff Victorian edifice studded with gargoyles beside an ancient Hindu temple, sculpted with sensuous gods.

    The Five Elements

    The concept of the 'five elements' (air, water, fire, earth and space) has been woven into the fabric of india since befpre the arrival of the aryans around 1500BC. Indian be;oefs have always been animist - dedicated to the worship of nature Although ancient western beliefs recognise the first four elements, the fifth-space - is a more abstract principle. To many Indians, the notion of space respresents the vast vacuum beyond ordinary perception, and symbolises the huge power of an unseen force. It is thus a source of inspiration in Hinduism and Zen Buddhism. The ancient animists worshipped trees and valued all plants, but the earth, rain and rivers were truly venetrated and destructive energy of primeval storms and earthquakes help people in awe.

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    Friday, December 28, 2007

    BANARASI SAREE

    Banarasi SAREE In the world of fashion ‘Banarasi Saree’ remains the Indian ‘SUN’ and has been a subject of great inspiration and appreciation for world-wide costume connoisseurs. These proposed episodes would try to fathom its historical continuance, record its traditions which goes from generation to generation and unveil the intricacies which goes towards making this Banarasi Saree an art and aesthetics. In short it would enter the subject from the raw materials and show the process to the final product and packaging.

    It was in the Mughal era Baranasi saree came into popularity and got fashion currency. Today these sarees are being exported world-wide. Around 125 km of Varanasi this art of making Banarai saree is surviving since olden days. It was during the mughal times when all arts be it persian, rajasthan or other indian school got amalgamated to create a fusion of aesthetics. Same goes for costume as well. The persian motifs and Indian designs on silk texture studded with gold and silver remained the cue of Mughal patronage. Elaborate pure gold and silver designs are today rare still the zari has rightfully taken its position as an apt replacement.

    Today there are mainly four varieties of Banarasi saree available. Those are Pure Silk (Katan); Shattir, Organza which is fine kora with zari and silk works and finally the Georgette . If you go to varanasi you would find some 10,000 shops selling Banarai Saree which is more a cottage industry for several million people around Varanasi which includes Gorakpur and Azamgarh as well. Around 60 percent of artisans are Muslim for whom weaving this art is their tradition. Ramzan Ali,an old traditional weaver said ‘After the partition of India people tried to take up this art ‘Banarasi Saree’ in distant land but could not produce an equivocal quality….there is something in this earth which makes the creation of Varanasi Saree possible’.

    Once the saree is created those come to Gol Garj and Kunj Gali where Banarasi sarees are sold in wholesale rates. There several hundred shops where every morning people from different villages come to deliver ‘created’ sarees to the market. There are some 10 shops whose turn over they say even cross 80 crores in toto.

    Thus we see for creation of Banarasi Saree one requires different experts right from the gauging the quality of Resham until marketing. All these goes towards creation of the unique saree which is envied by saree weavers from all over. Its no simple weaving rather those are functional art of India which is going on for centuries within a great fabric of Indian traditional weavers.

    Monday, December 10, 2007

    Coping With A Mixed Culture Relationship

    As the world continues to shrink, and people become increasingly accustomed to moving country as one time they moved town, there is an increasing trend for mixed culture relationships. At one time, such relationships met with society's disapproval, but nowadays it's commonplace to see couples of obvious mixed backgrounds walking hand-in-hand in the shopping mall. If you find yourself involved with someone from a different cultural background to your own, there are ways of merging the two cultures so that rather than having two separate ones, you create a special mixed one that you can both happily live with. Mixed culture could mean different ethnicity, different religions, different languages, or even different social status. It could even mean a combination of some or most of these! In order to merge the two, you both need to first have a good base of respect for your partner's culture. You need to learn what is important to that culture in order to see where the blending areas are. In the case of religion, this may not be possible - but if you love and respect your partner, it's not necessary for you to convert to their religion, only that you both mutually respect the other's right to your own belief system.