I was in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, last month for the ART SALUTE project. The whole concept of Art Salute is to celebrate the Indian Army in this 75th year of India’s independence. The idea of Art Salute is to salute our protectors through tribal arts and preserve our arts and heritage culture through story art.
There are 9 panels on the wall, and the artists depicted a thread of continuity between the different panels that starts with the sunrise in the mountains and ends with the sunset in the sea.
The first panel represents Himachal Pradesh, where, with the sunrise over the Ganges, the wall art portrays an army man in the initial phase of service—enlistment and training. The snow leopard and the state bird, the Western Tragopan, are also depicted (in Bhil art) to highlight the state.
The second panel represents the state of Uttarakhand, focusing on rescue work by army men during floods. Also shown to highlight the state are the Bramha Kamal and the Himalayan Monal and Deodhar trees. (Gond art )
The third panel represents the state of Uttar Pradesh, focusing on the personal lives of army personnel. The Ashoka Tree and the Kumbh Mela have also helped to accurately portray the state. (Gond Art .).
The fourth panel describes the Imambara as the headquarters of the Army Central Command and represents the peepal leaf of Bihar via Gond art.
The fifth wall focuses only on the activities of Army personnel ( Gond art).
The sixth wall represents the state of Madhya Pradesh while showcasing the Palash tree, Dudhraj birds, and wildlife animals like tigers. (Gond art)
The seventh panel represents Jharkhand with its wildlife, including elephants, wild boars, Koyal, and Nilgai. (Gond Art)
The eighth panel represents Chhattisgarh, depicting Chitrakoot Water Falls and its flora and fauna (Bhil Art).
The ninth panel depicts the sunset in Orissa, complete with the famous Konark wheel and temple. This frame marks the sunset in the soldier’s life, describing veterans and war widows. (Gond Art).
Salute our protectors via tribal arts, and also salute our tribal arts and preserve the art culture in a different way.
In this video, we'll explore the true meaning of art and why it's so important. We will honor the protectors of local arts and the value of art in our lives.
Art is more than just a pretty picture. It's a way to express ourselves and connect with others. In this video, we'll explore the true meaning of art and why it's so important. We will honor the protectors of local arts and the value of art in our lives.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to see the art and meet the artisans.
If you liked the video, do share it and help to spread the work of our local artists.
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