The culture and heritage of Andhra Pradesh is rich and varied in the fields of art, architecture, cuisine, literature, religion, philosophy, fairs and festivals. The handicrafts made by the artists and craftsmen and the monuments and structures left behind by the various dynasties have created a legacy which will be cherished and preserved by posterity. The various styles of painting that can be seen in the state are a testimony to the skill of the artists.
Kalamkari Hand Painting
This technique was used to embellish temple cloth and wall hangings. Blocks are not used in this method and the paintings generally illustrate scenes from mythology and epics. They are painted with rich colours made from vegetable dyes. The word split into two would mean ‘Kalam’ or pen and ‘kari’ or work and is a mixture of hand printing and painting.
Adivasi Kolam Painting
This art of floor painting also known as ‘Muggulu’ is famous in the state with symbols or selected designs associated with the different days of the week like Shivpith for Monday, Kalipith for Tuesday, Swastika for Wednesday, Lakshmi for Friday and so on. ‘Shri’ is another name for the Goddess of fortune and fertility and she represents the primal energy in the centre of a mystic grille of geometric patterns. The basic motifs include the Swastika, lotus, conch shells and discs.
Tirupati School of Painting
This painting is an offshoot of the Tanjore School of Painting and the religious deities portrayed here are those of Lord Vishnu, Rama, Krishna and Nataraja. The paintings are enclosed in a highly embellished and painted wooden enclosure making use of gilded and gem set techniques with the figures in white, blue, green and yellow colours with deep blue, green and red backgrounds. The artisans create a portable shrine with folding doors, having relief figures of Lord Vishnu with smaller renderings of Rama and Krishna. The paintings are generally made on wooden panels from the jackfruit tree and due to its beauty and intricacy is used for religious or decorative purposes.
