Mural Art: The Sublime Beauty of Kerala

The traditional Mural paintings of Kerala are a fine art of skill and creative excellence. Most of the Mural works of Kerala were seen between the 15th and 19th centuries. They bear a stamp of uniqueness in techniques used and aesthetics. A Mural is an artwork painted or applied directly onto walls, ceilings or any other permanent surface. In murals, architectural elements of the given space are harmoniously incorporated into its creation. Among murals, the ones from Kerala stand out for their finesse. With the largest collection of murals based on ancient Indian mythologies, Kerala is at par with most mural compositions globally. Today the trend has shifted from murals to those painted on canvas and paper. The materials used in mural artwork like pigments, brushes, gum etc. are all made up of natural materials like minerals and plants. The most used colour pigments in Kerala in Mural paintings are saffron-red, saffron-yellow, green, red, white, blue, black, yellow and golden-yellow. Every Mural art is a testament to the depth of dedication the artists have for their art. The temples and palaces of Kerala are all a visual treat wherein the sagas of ancient Hindu Gods and Goddesses unfold. The Murals of Kerala evolved through the significant influences of ancient rituals and stories. The Murals of Kerala are unparalleled in their subtlety, sharpness and ethereal beauty. An ideal souvenir to be treasured for a lifetime, Kerala murals are a symbol of natural beauty and grace, elegance and simplicity and pious devotion. It is this humility that helps this art form overcome the ravages of civilization and time.