Lippan art refers to the traditional craft of Kutch, Gujarat. It primarily uses mud or clay and mirror. The work not only adds beauty to the entire house but also keeps the house cool because of the cooling effects of the mud and the heat-reflecting property of the mirrors. Although mainly done by women of the Rabari community, recently it’s gaining much popularity among the masses. This surge in popularity could be attributed to the calmness the craft provides to the crafter in this stressful life. For those who are curious about this beautiful craft and for those who are already aware and are seeking more inspiration regarding this craft, we present to you our list of Lippan artists on Instagram that you need to check out right now.

Raj

Focusing on traditional Lippan art, Raj’s work mostly contains traditional Indian motifs like peacocks, flowers, etc. The use of suitable colour contrasts is what makes his page stand out from the crowd. Carefully crafted and beautifully designed, his work is sure to soothe any restless mind out there. Plus he offers workshops for Lippan art enthusiasts as well! 

RI•RAYS : Handmade Art by Riddhi & Ritu

If you are a fan of intricate designs that carry an air of subtlety then you should definitely check out this page. With over 237 posts of beautiful intricate Lippan art, this page will surely kick you out of your creative slump. The attention to detail in their work is truly admirable. From intertwining lotus vines to decorated elephants they have got it all. Plus they too offer workshops for Lippan art enthusiasts!

Payal Bansal

“Embracing the traditional claywork”, Payal’s work truly highlights the essence of Lippan art. Taking on big projects, Payal ensures to give her 100% to all her work. Staying true to her bio of “Embracing the traditional claywork”, most of her work does involve traditional patterns and motifs. But adapting to the demands of her clients she has managed to use Lippan art to create clocks, mirrors, etc. as well. Thus, making Lippan art more accessible to the modern mass.

Priyanka Goyal Mittal

If you’re looking for someone to add a fun twist to traditional Lippan art, then you must visit Priyanka’s page. Taking the tradition and adding a fun twist to it, Priyanka’s works are unique in their own way. Her work ranges from traditional Lippan art to cartoon depictions of Hindu Gods to initials and other motifs. With a strong following of 83.3K followers, she is giving a new meaning to Lippan art with each twist. Plus he offers workshops for Lippan art enthusiasts as well!

Do check out these Lippan artists for times when you need that inspiration boost or just a healthy rush of dopamine.

Art plays a very vital role in society, going beyond boundaries and connecting to the hearts and minds of people. It has the power to mould public perceptions and ignite social change, playing a powerful role in communication, expression, and reflection on societal issues. With various examples, including renowned Indian artists and powerful art projects, in this article, we will explore the vital role of art in reflecting society, driving dialogue, raising awareness, promoting inclusivity, challenging stereotypes, influencing public opinion, and inspiring action.

A Mirror of Society

The long-standing question of “Does art imitate life or life imitate art” doesn’t have a definitive answer yet but it has sparked a lot of debates and opinions, out of which one thing is definite – Art is a mirror for society. Depicting the culture, lifestyle, values, and traditions of a certain era. Via numerous creative forms, artists reflect the objectives, beliefs, and woes of their generation, showing us a glimpse of the difficulties and simplicities of human life. Recognizing and learning about art gives us critical insights into our past, present and future.

Artists are motivated by their desire to put forth their opinions and experiences, as well as communicate their emotions and thoughts through their work. They pave the way for bringing to light societal challenges, questioning norms, and driving change through their art. One can experience the rawness of human emotions, the resilience of the human spirit, and the desire for a better world, all by immersing ourselves in art, which captures the multidimensional aspect of our lives.

An instrument for critical thought and debate

Art can start conversations and question accepted norms. It pushes one to discuss and think critically while reflecting on societal challenges. Furthermore, art highlights political and social concerns, like inequality, injustice, and critical global issues.

Art challenges comfort and pushes people to rethink their views and values by providing different perspectives and questioning the status quo. It brings up topics and discussions, that otherwise go unnoticed, among diverse groups and increases understanding among them.

In today’s world where we are more divided than ever, art plays the role of a unifying factor, bringing together people from various backgrounds to talk about important topics. It provides a space where diverse perspectives can coexist and collide, encouraging empathy and promoting healthy debates that can lead to greater understanding and holistic growth.

An example would be the Indian film “Pink” which sparked conversations on consent and gender equality, raising awareness and starting a long-overdue discussion on such sensitive subjects. With powerful storytelling and brilliant performances by renowned actors such as Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu, the film shed light on societal norms and prejudices. It sparked debates on the topic of the importance of consent and the rights of women, encouraging a change in public perception and fostering a more inclusive and equal society.

A Vehicle for Social Change

Art draws our attention to social issues that usually go unnoticed. Visual arts like photography and street art have the power to grab attention and evoke emotions. Artists throughout history have used their creativity to address social issues, create awareness and injustices and advocate positive change. Be it through paintings, music, poetry, sculptures, or performance, art engages people on an emotional level, evoking empathy and a call to action.

Art challenges stereotypes and promotes inclusivity by breaking down boundaries and embracing diversity. For example, Theatre and performing arts have been vital in challenging caste-based discrimination in India. The play “Natak Company” started conversations and created an understanding which contributed to the fight against social inequality.

Art challenges stereotypes by bringing to light the beauty and complexity of human life that so often go unnoticed or misrepresented. It confronts preconceived notions and biases and prompts viewers to question their assumptions and broaden their perspectives. Art gives a dignified authentic voice to underrepresented communities and identities and fosters understanding and inclusivity.

The “Dabbawala” art project in India made use of lunchbox art to create awareness of child nutrition, spotlighting this crucial issue and igniting action. With vibrant and educational designs that depicted healthy and balanced meals. The art aimed to engage parents, educators, and communities in discussions on the importance of nutritious food for children. The project’s fusion of art and nutrition grabbed interest and dialogue, resulting in a promotion of healthier eating habits among children.

A tool for changing public opinion

Art shapes public perceptions and challenges mainstream narratives. It mobilizes individuals to become agents of social change. Art makes one question conventional ways of thinking and prompts people to adopt alternative perspectives. It confronts truths that are taboo or uncomfortable, exposes injustice, and brings to light the overlooked issues, which motivates individuals to critically think about their actions and beliefs. Art exhibitions, installations, and performances become a platform for public debate, raising awareness and encouraging people to converse on important social, political, and cultural topics.

Street art played a vital role in India’s “Jal Satyagraha” movement. It rallied support to preserve water resources and question the status quo. By transforming public spaces into canvases with vibrant and powerful visuals. The art captures the heart of the flight and was a form of protest, stimulating public participation, and raising awareness. Street art created a space for marginalised voices to express the concerns of their communities affected by water scarcity and pollution. It created a sense of solidarity among activists and was instrumental in gathering support and shaping the narrative of the “Jal Satyagraha” campaign.

A means of empowerment and inspiration

Art inspires individuals and communities by providing the marginalised a space to speak their story. It empowers people by giving them a platform for self-expression and representing those who are underrepresented. Artists inspire people to embrace their realities and celebrate their originality by owning their distinctive identities and experiences. Art provides a sense of identity, cultural pride, and belonging. It gives a forum for healthy debates and stories, in doing so developing social relationships and promoting empathy.

The “Graffiti Girls” was a crucial initiative in the empowerment of women via street art. They provide a platform for female artists to express themselves in a predominantly male-dominated field. The project challenged gender stereotypes and gave opportunities for women to show their talent. With their art, these women reclaimed public spaces, sending messages of empowerment and inspiring others.

Conclusion

Art has diverse forms and serves as a powerful force in shaping public perceptions and driving social change. Art creates discussions, raises awareness, promotes inclusion and challenges the effect of stereotypes on public perception. Through films like “Pink” and projects such as “Jal Satyagraha” and “Graffiti Girls”. Art is a vehicle for social change and pushes people to take action. It questions norms and prompts critical thinking. We get different viewpoints and deep understandings of different cultures, societal challenges, and identities. When we engage and participate in art, we are actively contributing to fostering a more compassionate, sensitive, and inclusive society.

Artists today are leaving behind standards and are setting up new benchmarks. From painting the seas and skies to drawing the Gods and Goddesses, artists today are taking up new themes and techniques to set some crazy trends. Art means expression; expression can mean different things for different people. In this piece, we present some brilliant artists taking art to the next level.

Ranjit Singh Sisodiya 

An incredible artist, Ranjit Singh Sisodiya, is a travel enthusiast. He loves to paint picturesque scenes and landscapes. His paintings are an expression of his appreciation of nature and scenic beauty. Ranjit also paints characters from Indian mythology. Hindu Gods and Goddesses are a major subject for his portrayal of ideas through art. A devotee of Radha and Krishna, Ranjit loves to paint scenes from their life. Being a traveller, he is also known for sketching and painting the adorable sights he encounters while travelling. From ghats and villages to riversides and Indian temples, Ranjit’s work depicts the true essence of Indian culture. To learn some tips and tricks from Ranjit, check him out on YouTube.

Akangsha Chakraborty

An architect by profession, Akangsha is a passionate artist who loves to draw energy. Movement and colour are something she chases to depict in her paintings. She draws inspiration from the sea and the ocean and the rivers and the lakes and all the blues that hold energy. She believes that the sea encapsulates energy, movement and colour, thus motivating her to present it on a canvas. Once you look at the waves drawn by her, you are sure to feel a surreal emotion of witnessing something extravagant. The seas and the skies in her works are more real than nature. You can drown in the intensity and depth her paintings hold. Also, the sky turning any other colour than blue is an inspiration enough for Akangsha to portray it. Her brushes move in a rhythm and swirl flawlessly to carve masterpieces. Want to get a painting customised for yourself, get in touch with Akangsha here. 

Maadhvan Goyal

An artist and art educator from Delhi, Maadhvan is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia University. Possessing a passion for art and Indian culture, he took Fine Arts as his course of study in his Post Graduation from the renowned university. He is deeply inspired by ancient Indian culture and civilization which is evident in his art works. Maadhvan specialises in combining abstract art with Indian culture and mythology to present before you a uniquely developed set of paintings. He believes in using fresh vibrant colours on a transparent and dynamic background to give a seamless finish to his art works. His Bharat series is one of his most loved and revered collections. Deriving motivation from Indian culture and civilisation, Maadhvan is currently working on more such series namely Naga, Sadhu & Aghori Sadhu, Purnima and Bharam. To learn more about him, check him out on YouTube.

Shruti Maheshwari

A wall muralist, painter, designer and sculptor, Shruti is a bouquet of the choicest flowers of talent and expertise. Since childhood she has always wanted to start her own art business someday. After pursuing a Masters in English Literature from University of Delhi and Fashion Designing from NIFT, Delhi, she made her way into the business world. Since then she has been living her dream and has never looked back. For Shruti, her mom is her role model and she is greatly inspired by her. Possessing an immense passion for flowers, she loves to paint loose flowers as it makes her happy. She believes that flowers signify power despite being delicate. Fondly called Phoolwati and Phoolan Devi by her friends and relatives, Shruti loves flowers so much that she keeps them with her even after they have dried. If you want the walls of your home to smell of flowers, contact Shruti here.

In this world of constant stress, it is hard to calm down. People often turn to some form of art to help them in this process. Mandala art refers to a geometric design or patterns that represent the cosmos or deities in various heavenly worlds. In recent times, mandala art has become quite a popular de-stress tool. Although it seems super difficult once you get a hang of it, you won’t be able to leave the piece without finishing it. If you’re stuck and are looking for inspiration on your mandala journey, then we present some amazing mandala artists on Instagram who will surely spark your dwindling creative spirit.

Navanitha Sathian

Want to add an artistic touch to God’s image? Check out Navanitha’s mandala art page and you will get your inspiration fix. Dedicated to adding more beauty to the already ethereal beauty of the almighty, her page is sure to leave you dazzled. Focusing majorly on Hindu Gods her work ranges from simple to intricate. Most of her work is in black and white but the details are very vivid.

Shivani

Looking for extremely detailed work? Then scroll on to Shivani’s page right now! Filled with over 100 posts of highly detailed and intricate mandala art, her page will surely ignite your creative spirit. Her work ranges from simple Indian motifs to Hindu gods and goddesses. Sticking to black and white and mostly flowers the intricacy of her work will make you gasp in awe. A self-taught artist her work is at par with a professional mandala artist.

Prasun Balasubramaniam

An author, educator and mother, Prasun Balasubramaniam’s mandala art will surely leave a smile on your face. With over 1000 posts on her Instagram page, she has a strong fan following of 45.4K followers. Her colourful mandalas are bound to cheer anyone on any bad day. Her work ranges from simple to extremely complicated but almost always involves a splash of colours. And no her art is not limited to a sheet of paper and can be found on a wall or an umbrella as well.

DR. Supriya J

A professional artist, DR. Supriya J’s mandala art is out of this world. Working on various themes you will stumble across a lot of variety on her Instagram page. The best part, you will find a perfect balance of coloured and black-and-white mandala art on her page. Her passion and dedication to her craft are clearly visible in her work. The focus on details and colour scheme is impeccable. As a true artist, her art is not limited to a sheet of paper and can be found on walls and huge canvases as well.

We hope these artists re-ignited your creative spark! 

Fashion is growing each day. And the uncountable number of fashion illustrators and designers around the world makes it harder to come up with something new and fresh all the time. As an emerging fashionista, it can get pretty frustrating and often tiring. It’s hard to keep up with fashion and it’s even more hard to keep it fresh for very long. So, for all those who are tired and out of ideas and are feeling defeated, get ready to be inspired! We bring to you a few fashion illustrators who will surely ignite your inner Manish Malhotra!

Poojitha Cholleti

Making simple designs the new statement piece, Poojitha Cholleti is making heads turn with her work. Her works bring to life the quote, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” by Clare Boothe Luce. As a fashion illustrator she ensures her illustrations contain a mix of colours from different ends of the spectrum. By keeping things plain and simple she manages to churn new life into the fashion world. Often simple fashion pieces are overlooked, but she uses this to her advantage. Focusing on both Indian and Indo-western fashion pieces, her page is a pure delight for those looking for inspiration.

Muskan Ahuja

With a huge following of 82.8k followers, Muskan Ahuja’s Instagram page is bound to leave you spellbound. If you’re looking for a fashion illustrator who gives a lot of emphasis to the details, then you must visit Ahuja’s page. Her page will inspire any person’s soul with its bright and beautiful hues and intricate details. Apart from being a fashion illustrator, she is also a wedding illustrator who captures your precious day beautifully with precise details. With her around you can rest assured that your beautiful wedding dress will be perfectly captured.

Rashmi Singh

Looking for something minimal as compared to Indian ethnic wear standards? Rashmi Singh’s Instagram page is the perfect place for you to start looking. Filled with artworks that are beautiful and fashion-forward at the same time, her page is sure to leave you dazzled. Putting forth a good mix of soft and bold looks with a minimalist touch, Rashmi highlights her potential as a fashion illustrator. Beautifully highlighting the rich heritage of Indian ethnic wear, her pieces are stunning to look at. Her page is a really good inspiration page for brides-to-be.

Nish

Looking for something bright and bold that looks sophisticated at the same time? Then Nish’s Instagram page is the answer to all your prayers. Capturing the bold and bright aesthetic of Indian ethnic wear, Nish’s illustrations do not shy away from being out there. As a fashion illustrator, she ensures that there is something for everyone on her page. From pure traditional Indian ethnic wear to Indo-western ethnic wear, she has got it all. The diversity in her designs that captures the culture of each state in India is the one to look out for.

Vrisha

Love a dark aesthetic? Then you should definitely check out Vrisha’s Instagram page. Nothing speaks regal than dark-coloured Indian ethnic wear. And Vrisha’s page is made for royalty like you. Filled with illustrations of darker colours her page will leave you in awe of her talent. As a fashion illustrator, she covers a wide range of clothing. From royal-like Lehengas to breathtaking evening gowns, you will find a bit of everything on her page. This a perfect page for fashionistas looking for inspiration.

Do check out these amazing fashion illustrators to keep getting inspired!