Traditional Art

Traditional art is part of the culture of a certain group of people, with skills and knowledge passed down through generations from masters to apprentices. Traditional art is intrinsically linked to cultural identity.

It serves as a visual representation of a community's heritage, capturing its essence and reflecting beliefs that are deeply embedded within its social group. By cherishing and perpetuating certain art forms, communities strengthen their cultural cohesion and foster a sense of pride and belongingness.

What is Traditional Art & its Importance for the Artist?

Traditional art forms have existed since time immemorial through generations, spanning across cultures and civilisations. From the cave paintings created by early humans to the intricate indigenous crafts of native communities, the expressions of art have transcended generations across global civilisations.

The cultural congregations, dance, classical music, paintings and awe-inspiring sculptures of ancient civilisations are testaments to the creativity and artistic evolution.

The artists delivered works that carried forward the cultural values, traditions, and stories that are the foundation of the entire civilisation. Public art especially transformed ordinary spaces into dynamic, engaging, educating places. In the modern world, we see a lot of commercialisation and appropriation of traditional art forms.

Artefacts that hold immense cultural value are sometimes reduced to mere commodities, mass-produced and deprived of their cultural context. When traditional art becomes a product to be bought and sold, it loses the essence that makes it a carrier of cultural heritage.

What is Traditional Art & its Importance for the Painter and Society? 

• Traditional art captures the essence of a community's beliefs and traditions and preserves them for future generations. 

• Through visual storytelling, art conveys complex cultural narratives that might otherwise be forgotten. Preserving heritage ensures that cultural identity remains deep-rooted and convincing.  

• Engaging in creative activities, such as traditional art, not only preserves cultural heritage but also improves emotional well-being, creates a sense of belongingness, and promotes self-expression. It's a powerful tool that connects us to our roots and inspires us to create.

• Traditional Art plays a crucial role in building and expressing cultural identity. These art forms are not mere representations but are living embodiments of cultural heritage. They encapsulate customs, rituals, and wisdom that have been handed down through generations, instilling a sense of pride and connection to our roots. 

• Murals, sculptures, and installations enrich urban topography, making them more attractive and reflective of the community's character. These artworks become iconic symbols of the locations, attracting tourists and fostering a sense of appreciation and connection to our surroundings.

• Iconic works like Picasso's "Guernica" and Banksy's street art contributed by generating social awareness and influencing public opinion on various such matters. 

• Art galleries, museums, and cultural events draw visitors, generating revenue and creating jobs. 

• The commercial art market, including sales of artworks and art-related merchandise, contributes to the economy.

• Moreover, art investments continue to be a favoured means of wealth preservation and growth. High-net-worth individuals include art in their portfolios because they recognise its potential for long-term appreciation. 

 Types of Traditional Art

• Traditional art forms include the seven forms of fine art: drawing, painting, sculpture, architecture, cinema, music, and theatre.  

• Around the Mediterranean Sea, theological symbols such as crosses and sacraments appeared in mosaics and paintings. 

• Most art history refers to Western masters. It is not very crazy, but it does leave many wondering about Asian and African art. In Greek architecture, three designations were used to indicate architectural style: Ionian, Dorian, and Corinthian. The Ionian order is the least rich in ornamentation and ornaments than the Dorian and Corinthian orders.

• In the Renaissance, patrons encouraged monumentalism, or the exaltation of an important god, hero, or building. 

• The term "trompe l'oeil" stands for "deceives the eye. "In photography, related to Illusionism (1465-1474), the effects that make a representation of reality make it appear as real as possible.

• Caravaggism was about those who wanted to achieve a greater realism than that of the Renaissance. In the late Renaissance, a number of Italian painters were inspired to use exaggerated postures and colours. Simplicity and magnificence disappeared in Manichaeism.

• Absolutism was a style of art that glorified traditional art due to the power of greater Realism and celebrated nationalism. Romanticism was the age of industrialisation and the commercial dominance of Neoclassicism. 

• With the Renaissance in Italy, the masters evolved as true artists rather than craftsmen as the design interno, and the artist's idea and intention became increasingly essential. 

• Traditional art refers to ideas about what art represents about the society that emerged from the Renaissance and Illuminism. Such theories materialised during the Renaissance but survived until the 19th century, and they are directly connected to Academicism. Academicism is the method of professionalising art education, designed, formalised, and taught by European art academies starting in the 16th Century. 

Traditional Art Examples 

Some examples of ancient Traditional art are Greek and Roman statues, Cave paintings, Indian temple carvings, and African tribal masks. Most traditional artworks are deeply symbolic and serve religious or ceremonial purposes. They reflect societal norms, values, and histories. 

During the Renaissance period, with Da Vinci's art, idealism was seen in art. He placed more emphasis on the sacred motivations and the unity of people with their environment, e.g. Michelangelo Buonarroti's- The Creation of Adam (circa 1511).

Traditional paintings by Chassériau and Ingres depicted the Arab world as the Western world saw it. These paintings condemned the non-Western world, which was central to the theme of Orientalism. Such works of art depicted discrimination, cruelty, and poverty, whereas Realism depicted the real, ordinary people and nature. 

In fact, in the Golden Age, there was a lot of emphasis on displaying the nobility in art. Kings and dukes paid money to get grand artistic paintings of themselves. In materialism, subjects such as class and a person's gender came into strong focus.

Traditional Artists 

Traditional artists used conventional media such as clay, natural colours, pencils, charcoal, and more. 

In allegorical art, abstract concepts are expressed in characters, and the artist appears eager to reveal a hidden truth that the viewer must uncover. 

The poetry of the time inspired many artists, such as Nicolas Poussin and Johannes Vermeer, to incorporate such symbolism in their works.

In Sectarianism, saints were depicted in paintings, and the Dutch Rembrandt focused more on piety and creating lifelike pictures of biblical stories.

In the late 14th century, traditional painting experimented with facial expressions and hand gestures. Dramatic human postures, often many, were depicted in chaotic images.

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) is widely recognised as one of the most influential and famous artists, and he is known for iconic works like the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper." Beyond this, his notebooks were filled with drawings of machines that were centuries ahead of their time, showcasing his visionary mind. 

Traditional Art Drawing 

Drawing began in caves and rock shelters during the Stone Age, when sharp stones were used to create prehistoric engravings, and charcoal was used to create works. In Western art, the history of drawing as a stand-alone and artistic documentation started towards the end of the 14th century. 

The thin-lined drawing method of the early Renaissance retrieved its popularity during the era of neoclassical art and Romanticism during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The greatest sketchers were distinguished painters, graphic artists, or printmakers until the Italian Renaissance. A century later, with the arrival of Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo, when paper was widely available, drawings were made as an independent art form.

In 17th-century Italy, drawing was part of the Fine Arts Academies in Bologna, Florence, and Rome. The early 19th-century drawing style emphasised the linear element. One of its great masters was the academic painter J-A-D Ingres (1780-1867). 

German Expressionist artists evolved in the 20th century. Western artists' portrait drawings typically involved the pure profile and the three-quarter profile. In the 15th century, the landscape became a permitted subject for a stand-alone drawing.

Figure drawing was relatively prevalent in the 17th-century Dutch Realism School, in 18th-century France and England, and in 19th-century France (Honore Daumier).

Caricature was associated with illustrative drawing, as exemplified by luminaries such as Annibale Carracci (1560-1609), who first coined the word. 

Indian Traditional Art 

Some forms of traditional Indian art are rock paintings, textiles, sculptures, and a diverse range of surface paintings made by various tribal and cultural groups for religious or social reasons. India Ink is the most common form of liquid dye used in many traditional drawings.

Indian traditional art, with its diverse styles and techniques, reflects the collective history, customs, and aspirations of regional communities. It showcases people's creative intellect and intelligence in acclimating indigenous resources into expressive art forms. These art forms, rooted in the people's daily lives and rituals, not only preserve cultural narratives but also mark the resourcefulness and artistic creativity of local groups. 

Traditional Art Forms of India 

Traditional Indian art forms include music, dancing, puppetry, storytelling, painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, blacksmithing, pottery-making, weaving, or other textile arts such as quilting, crocheting, and knitting; ceremonial object making; and decorative object making.

Some of the famous  Indian traditional drawing  and painting styles include 

Mithila art, or Madhubani Painting, was made by women on murals depicting gods, cultural stories, fauna, flora, or geometric patterns, which were often part of social ceremonies. 

Similarly, the Warli paintings, made by Warli tribes from Maharashtra, are famous Indian traditional drawings that depict farming, praying, dancing, and hunting. We can see many geometrical patterns in white against a yellow or red background, which are some of the main background themes of these paintings.

Married women usually made Warli paintings to celebrate a wedding, and the designs were also used to decorate the huts of the Warli tribes, just like Madhubani paintings, which were used to decorate homes.

Indian traditional drawing Kalamkari has survived generations in Andhra Pradesh. It derives its name from kalam or pen, which means 'drawings with a pen.' Kalamkari can be engraved on metals or wood, decorative, or the paintings can be seen in ethnic clothing or textile works. It is designed by local weavers who depict various forms of customs, fauna and flora through their artworks.

Indian traditional art phad is a narrative scroll painting from Rajasthan that depicts battlefield scenes, adventure stories, legendary romances, and other themes.

Indian traditional art Thanjavur painting, first painted in the 16th century under the Chola regime, originated in the Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu. It centres on the Hindu gods and goddesses. These paintings are made on wooden planks, and their styles are similar to those of Deccani and Maratha art, as well as to European styles.

The influences of the Mughal era can be seen in the cloth-based scroll Indian traditional drawing called Pattachitra, which was found in Odisha and West Bengal. Kalighat paintings were made on cloth or patas and often depicted images of gods, goddesses, and scenes from epics. 

Gond paintings from Madhya Pradesh are mostly themed on animals and birds. 

Traditional Japanese Art 

• Two of the main styles of Japanese traditional paintings are the traditional ones dedicated to framed art. The other is additionally associated with Japan: the kakariki. It's made by applying pigments to silk and Washi (Japanese paper), creating a scroll. 

• Nihonga is the classical style of traditional Japanese painting dating back centuries. Traditionally, the art is created using mineral pigments combined with animal glue to create a stable shade. The materials used to produce pigments include minerals obtained from corals, shells, and semi-precious stones. The pigments are fixed using hide glue, known as Aikawa. 

• One of the famous traditional Japanese art forms is Manga drawing, which is found in the characteristics of black and white. Manga refers to graphic novel art, including cartoons, animations, and comic characters. In the West, manga is often used to mean Japanese comics. 

• Ukiyo-e is an ancient form of Japanese art traditionally engraved on woodblocks. 

• Ikebana is another famous form of art related to arranging flowers in an artistic format that makes the flora come alive. 

• Traditional Japanese art, Haniwa, is hand-sculpted terracotta figurines that stood on burial mounds called kofun before the 3rd century.

• Shibayama is a traditional Japanese art form that uses an inlay technique similar to carvings. Rather than scribing, the base material used can be wood, ivory, or lacquer. Then, one can use marquetry, and intricate designs are applied to the base as an inlay. The materials used for the inlay can be mother-of-pearl, red coral, ivory, tortoiseshell, horn, metals, wood, and gold and silver enamels. The style dates back to the Meiji era.

• Unique to Japan is the ability to make stand-alone artworks using sumi-e, which means a black ink painting, and Shoda, which is Japanese calligraphy.

Traditional Mexican Art 

Mexican art history begins with early peoples, such as the Olmecs, Incans, Mayans, and Aztecs. These early artists produced works between 1500 BC and 1500 AD. The Olmecs, the original writers of hieroglyphics, created a calendar, which influenced their architectural designs. Mexican ceramics date back to the early cultures of those who lived in Mexico before the Spaniards came. 

Traditional Mexican art and crafts are called "artesanía." The country's natural resources include many types of clay, wood, metal, stones, and plants, and bold colours and decorative details give Mexican folk art and traditional painting an attractive edge. Ancient media used by artists include paper, stone, and ceramics. Some of the popular artworks were fertility figurines, ceramic bowls, wall paintings, jade sculptures, and much more.

 The "Sugar skulls," with their magnificent decorations, are a part of the Mexican tradition. They represent a departed soul and may have the names of loved ones written on their foreheads.

Mexican cinema began in the 20th century when cinematographers documented the Mexican Revolution and other historical events through film.

Movies with Mexican and Cuban dancers were also famous during the 1940s. The 1990s, an era called "New Mexican Cinema," gave films a fresh life. Quality actors and producers brought new audiences to the cinema. 

Traditional Chinese Art 

Art is an important part of Chinese heritage and culture, and it includes performing arts, sculptures, paintings and cave drawings. The performing arts in China are known to date back to the tribes that inhabited the land long before the current culture grew. 

Traditional Chinese art history shows that the swirling brush strokes depicting rivers, rocks, plant life, and animals retain a similarity to the original cave drawings.

Traditional Chinese art includes more than basic traditional painting. It includes sculptures, pottery, carvings, and calligraphy writings. Chinese pottery is particularly well-known around the world due to its technique of using hard clay combined with feldspar to remove any cracks or gaps in the clay. The pottery has developed into the fine porcelain that is seen in modern times.

China's sculpture is most well-known for its resemblance to the graves of ancient kings. Clay soldiers, horses, and servants have been found in archaeological digs. The sculptures have fine detailing that showcases facial features and detailed armour.

Current performing arts like singing, acting, and traditional Chinese Opera maintain many elements found in folk songs and dances. Regardless, they have a modern twist that incorporates newer instruments and techniques.

Digital Art and Traditional Art — Pros and Cons 

Traditional Art is works of art produced using physical mediums; it refers to styles of art that are part of the customs of a group of people, with skills and knowledge being passed on from artisans through generations of apprenticeships.

The different types of traditional art include – Sculptures, Paintings, Literature, Music, Theater, Cinema and Architecture. Some of the traditional art mediums include Acrylic, Oil Painting, Watercolours, Oil Pastels, Coloured pencils, Charcoal, natural colours and Pen and Ink.

Traditional and digital art each represent unique aspects of human creativity and style of expression. Traditional art depicts cultural heritage and provides a glimpse into history, while digital art challenges established styles and introduces new possibilities for design and art growth. Together, they enhance the art world by offering diverse techniques and ideas.

What Is Traditional Painting? Why Is It Important for The Artist?

Today's artists are more concerned about doing something unique in itself and not something with which they or their community can relate. Traditionally, artists captured passions and affections, triumphs and tragedies, and other human emotions in their raw, refined form.

The artistic expressions served as more than just decorative details; they were a way to convey stories, education, and values. The vibrant strokes on a canvas of traditional painting, the cave paintings, the potteries, the beads or the jewellery, the beats of traditional music, or the delicate carvings on megaliths each served a purpose beyond their aesthetic appeal.

Paintings provided a nonverbal outlet for processing complex emotions, where individuals could attach and mend through a sense of belongingness and empowerment. Engaging in creative activities can improve emotional well-being and promote self-expression.

Traditional art, therefore, provided a medium through which narratives were transferred, traditions were celebrated, and cultural catalogues were handed over to the next generations.

Ancient sculptures, tribal paintings, and traditional textiles—all these art forms were part of the community's identity. 

During the Middle Ages, visual arts such as painting or sculpture were, in fact, seen as skills and not as art. The paintings were not inscribed or autographed, and the artists worked as commissioned workers who were not applauded for their works.

However, at a certain point in history, around 1300-1400, the artisans became aware of their extraordinary talent. They got personal invitations or sponsors for their works, and they were seen as creators who contributed to the history of their practice. A landmark was the Arnolfini portrait by Jan Van Eyck, who signed 'Van Eyck was here', which was one such signed work.

Traditional Art vs. Modern Art

Traditional Art is rooted in specific geographic regions or cultural practices, and Modern Art is characterised by a desire to experiment and work conceptually and visually to create unique experiences. Notable movements within modern art include Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism.

What Are the Materials Used in Traditional Art?

A piece of traditional art might be one in which an image is painted on canvas with acrylic paint or formed from a lump of clay, wood/bamboo, metal, straw, textile/silk, and much more. This type of art has existed for centuries, even millennia, if we count cave art. 

How does new media differ from more traditional forms of art, such as painting?

Traditional art refers to a form of expression that uses physical, non-digital mediums to produce the product displayed. Traditional art takes many forms, such as painting, sculpting, and mixed media, whereas digital art is involved in photography, animation, film, and graphic design.

New media differs from traditional forms of art through its interactivity, use of technology, accessibility, social connection, differing formats, and connection to the cultural background. Unlike static paintings, new media involves audience participation, and it can utilise digital tools and platforms to deliver efficient work.

What Artist Used Traditional Woodcut Printing to Create Art with Modern Subject Matter?

Woodcut is one of the oldest forms of relief printing, dating back to as early as the 9th century in China. The Japanese woodblock print is a traditional art form dating back to the mid-1600s(Tokugawa period).

Woodblock printing provided an inexpensive way to meet the growing demand for artwork by increasingly prosperous merchants, artisans, and urban dwellers. Over time, woodcut printmaking spread into Europe during the early Renaissance, where it was used for printing spiritual imagery and illustrating manuscripts. Such prints were given the name ukiyo-e, or “pictures of the floating world.”

Where Did the Traditional Art of Calligraphy Originate?

The traditional art of calligraphy's origins are unclear. However, it is believed that Buddhist missionaries who travelled through Asia to spread their religion introduced the art of writing and calligraphy. The Middle East claims it originated there.

Calligraphy was in China around 3,500 years ago, and basic pictographs started appearing as oracle bone and tortoise shell inscriptions. Exhibits about Egyptian scribes say the scribe's profession was mostly hereditary.