Indian Folk culture

Size : 7"x 9"

One fine day, I had this brainwave that I needed to get some Indian folk culture captured in collage.    I started off with a small format because I wanted to finish each piece in a single sitting.   Just to be different, I decided to work with a pair of scissors this time.   It did go a lot faster than it would have tearing paper by hand.  

 First I did the dholak (Indian drum) player with an abstracted back ground.   This is a widely popular instrument as it provides the basic beats for dancing or chanting.   Usually strung from the waist or shoulders, the beats have a hypnotic quality. Combined with heady melodies of folk music, it is delightful.

Size : 7"x 9"

Next I did the Shehnai player.  The Shehnai is an aero phonic instrument made of wood and has between 6 to 9 holes.   The sound of this instrument is recognized as creating a sense of auspiciousness hence played at weddings and on festival days.   Strictly speaking this a classical instrument usually played at concerts while sitting down cross-legged.  With my artistic license I imagined, my musician playing it from a palace window just before sunrise.  Hence the quick down on one-knee kneeling posture!

While the first two have a more north Indian flavour, the next one is right out from the deep south of India.

Size : 7"x 9"

 Poi Kaal Kudhirai is a very popular Tamil folk dance form. This translates as False Legged Horse. The artiste steps into this costume of a horse rather garishly done up and pretends to be riding it this dance form. Usually the dance drama is about the heroics of a king. Sometimes the dancer also combines this with stilts. Usually performed in the evening under the arc lights, this is a truly an explosion of colour.
I think there is potential here for a good series.  Have to sort out ideas in my head first. Watch this space!