Shruti Mahesh’s Tanjore Painting artwork. Photo courtesy of Subbha Mahesh

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) – Shruti Mahesh is a young adult who had a special interest in art since elementary school with her consistent attendance in the after-school art program. Gradually, this hobby developed into a passion, and now into a reality. She enjoys experimenting with different mediums: acrylic on canvas/fabric, oil on canvas/illustration panels, pencil sketches and traditional or ancient artforms rich in cultural heritage like the age-old Tanjore Painting on wood.

“In the summer after my fifth grade, I learned this timeless art legacy: ‘Tanjore Painting’, which is an ancient artform of South India. Back then, as an 11-year-old, I simply learned the process of making this art and bringing it to completion, as I would with any other academic course. My perspective changed and a deep desire to learn by practicing more of this artform was solidified when I saw my mom make space for a prayer room in our house with her handmade Tanjore paintings of deities,” Mahesh said.

“Art and its beauty are all around us. They could imbue a person, place or a piece of work with any idea or emotion. For an artistic spark, as for any talent, to become aflame, what is required, at the most fundamental level, is a question and the imperishable curiosity to chase it,” Mahesh said.

With the rise of technology, artificial intelligence and computer-generated graphics, achieving proficiency even within narrow domains at a pace faster than any human skill would be able to sustain, her interests matured. Shruti wanted to be a part of the artisan cohort who relentlessly devoted their time into keeping this ancient artform alive, while many have abandoned this craft as it is not only expensive, with the use of gold foil embellishments, it also incurs days to months of labor to complete a single piece.

Thanjavur Painting, popularly known as Tanjore Painting, originated in the 16th century, named after its place of origin. Thanjavur, in the southern part of India, is the pinnacle of Indian opulence: a sacred union of real 22 carat gold, semi-precious stones and devotion. This artform preserves a 400-year-old legacy. These paintings were housed in temples, royal palaces and prayer rooms or residences. They were completed on plywood boards made from jackfruit or teakwood, and vegetable or mineral dyes were used as natural colors to paint with. Today, the paintings are made on water-resistant plywood, or a medium density fiber (MDF) board and acrylic colors are used to paint. The use of 22 carat gold foil still prevails in practice to preserve the authenticity and grandeur of this exquisite artform.

The dense composition used for embossing to get the 3D effect is obtained by a paste prepared in the right consistency by mixing marble or chalk powder with Arabic Gum. This can be seen in the arches, drapes or ornate borders of each painting. This artform thus remains a treasured possession for connoisseurs worldwide.

“This is just one art that I have found and chosen to pursue to support the many unknown artisans from rural India and around the world aspiring to keep this historic art alive. As long as young minds and artisans like me are willing to try, and parents like mine are willing to support, different countries and different cultures can stay united by art. Though the overall theme revolves around one ancient artform, it is truly meant to honor the whole artists’ community,” Mahesh said.