UNLEASHING ART ON SKIN

PRIDE comes in all forms and mankind will always find innovative ways to exhibit it.

- JITHA KARTHIKEYAN

When it comes to the nation, there are typically two triggers for it to burst forth among the population like an erupting volcano; sports and Independence/Republic Day. Proclamations of national identity often work its way onto our faces and body on these specific days, as we paint them in the tricolours of our flag.

The practice however, origi nated long before the birth of flags or countries. Dating back to pre-historic times, body painting was primarily used for rituals and was a way of announcing status within a tribe.

A distinct mark was painted on those in power. Indigenous tribes also believed that masking oneself with paint would ward off evil spirits. Pigments extracted from whatever the surroundings offered, like fruits and leaves were used for these artistic applications.