Visual artist Tarika John celebrates the classical art forms of Kerala with an illustrated book

Illustrator and visual artist Tarika John explains how she created her illustrated book, sacred rhythms, painted facesOn 10 classical art forms of Kerala and art inspired by Kerala in general. “As long as I stayed away [from Kerala]I was attracted to Kerala,” says the artist who studied art in Bengaluru and divided her time between Kochi and New York, where she completed her masters at the School of Visual Arts.

With her latest book she ventures into classical dance/theatre/music forms like Panchavadyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, Theyyam, Pulikali and Kumattikkali. Illustrated in deep, jeweled tones with striking images, this book can be an introduction to these art forms for children as well as culture-curious adults.

The illustrated book, ‘Sacred Rhythms, Painted Faces’ celebrates the classical art forms of Kerala. Photo Credit: Prem Sam Paul

Tarika has done her research on each form, talked to experts, read on the net and watched demonstration videos on YouTube. For example, she talks about her research on hairstyles for Mohiniyattam, to find out which side of the head the dancer keeps her hair in a bun.

She was collecting bits and pieces of information as a basis. As part of her 100 Days of Kerala series on the traditional art forms and culture of Kerala, she has displayed similar pictures of traditional art forms on her Instagram handle. However, the ones he has used in his current book are new.

From Tarika John’s illustrated book, ‘Sacred Rhythms, Painted Faces’, which serves as an introduction to some of the classical art forms of Kerala. Photo Credit: Prem Sam Paul

This task is something she has been struggling with for some time. “I wanted to work on a book related to Kerala art. As I started spending more time away from Kerala, I wanted to do it more. I didn’t know that much about Kerala and wanted to know more, which compelled me to start the book.” This book highlights aspects of traditional art forms currencies [hand gestures]Symbolism of makeup, musical instruments and other details.

What is interesting about the book are its visually appealing illustrations. Tarika confesses that as an artist she feels compelled to create images that are not stereotypically ‘beautiful’. “I don’t want to create idealized images. I want representation — to see myself, to see people I know.” So there are less traditionally beautiful photos in cream and off white colors, instead the skin tones are darker and richer.

His aesthetics in all his works has been consistently Indian contemporary and he has tried to maintain the same in this book as well. “For example, color types and typography are important to art. [in this book]When it came to depiction, a suggestion was also made that the depictions of some artists should be made ‘delicate’, But that will go into stereotypes, I wanted to go darker,

As part of her freelance work, Tarika has worked for the United Nations, Columbia University, Levi’s, Loewe, Wipro, Adidas, New York Times, Nat Geo Traveler among others. His other works include comics and zines such as coloring books, malayali alphabet And secret garden, Notebooks & Journals, Fashion Accessories & Home Decor.

Sacred Rhythms, Painted Faces is priced at ₹1,750, available on taarikajohnshop.com.