Minimalist Indian Folk Art for Modern Homes
Art should whisper, not shout. We collect monochrome and minimal paintings from Gond, Bhil, and Mysore school traditions that fit your space, keeping the creator's hand visible in every stroke.
In India, folk art is often celebrated for its riot of colours. But this curated collection of monochrome folk art strips it down to its purest form. With no colours to distract, every meticulous stroke by artists like Ramesh Tekam and Pinju Tahed is a true test of skill.
It has been a dream to showcase the various crafts of Karnataka, and the Mysore school of art has long been on my wish list. This Dashavatara set, made on commission, features delicate lines and subtle brush strokes, using gold-coloured enamel paint to keep it affordable.
This framed Zardosi embroidery of two birds, created for us by the Monami Foundation, is a beautiful example of textile art. It blends seamlessly into the colourful world of whimsical animals and birds at our stores.
This framed Bhil art piece depicts a family of tigers, rendered in the traditional style with natural dyes. By bringing these pieces into our homes, we are not just decorating a wall; we are helping keep these art forms alive.
This colourful Bhil art piece, featuring a tortoise, showcases the vibrant, dotted style characteristic of the tribe's artists. Each piece tells a story and supports the artisans whose skills are woven into their creations.
This framed piece showcases a dragon rendered in a style reminiscent of Indian folk art. The intricate patterns and bold red colour make it a striking addition to any art collection.
This Gond art piece, featuring a deer and birds, is a beautiful example of the intricate patterns and vibrant colours typical of this art form. It's a testament to the timeless, ethereal quality of handcrafted Indian art.
About this collection
Every frame in this collection is built from solid teakwood, designed to last. We focus on original, hand-painted works, never digital prints, so you get the authentic texture of charcoal, natural dyes, and brushwork from makers like Ramesh Tekam and Pinju Tahed directly on your wall.
Bringing Folk Art into Modern Interiors
We believe a painting should do more than just fill a blank wall. It should tell a story. While Indian folk art is famous for vibrant, multi-coloured palettes, there is a quiet power in stripping it down to the basics. By focusing on monochrome or limited-colour pieces from Gond, Bhil, and Mysore school styles, we ensure these works blend seamlessly into contemporary homes without overwhelming your space.
The Techniques Behind the Work
- Gond Art: Originating from the Gond tribe, this style relies on intricate dots and lines to depict nature and mythology. You will see this in the fine, repetitive patterns that create form.
- Bhil Painting: Known for its vibrant energy and dotted style, we present these in both natural dye tones and lively colour palettes to suit different room aesthetics.
- Mysore School: A heritage style known for delicate lines and subtle brush strokes. For our commissioned sets, we use gold-coloured enamel to keep the luxury of traditional ornamentation accessible.
Quality You Can See
We avoid mass-produced prints. When you order from us, you receive a piece that holds the physical evidence of the artist's time and effort. Our frames are custom-built from teak, chosen for its durability and natural finish, ensuring the art is protected while looking right at home in a modern living room, study, or hallway. Every piece supports the livelihood of the artists, helping keep these ancient skills relevant for the next generation.
Varnam Craft Collective
We started Varnam to make sure craft stays alive in daily life. We don't just sell paintings; we share stories from the homes of makers like Ramesh Tekam and Pinju Tahed, ensuring these traditions find a place in your living room.
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