By Neha Mehrotra
15-Dec-2023
Why do we need art in our homes? It may seem like a simple question, with an even simpler answer. But the real answer goes beyond the surface of just adding decoration or bringing colour into the living room. Art, in all its diverse forms, possesses an unmatched capacity to transcend boundaries, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. While the hallowed halls of traditional art galleries may seem exclusive, you don't have to venture far to experience the joy of artistic expression.
By bringing art into your home, you can create a personal art gallery that reflects your taste and style. To help you understand the cultural and modern significance of preparing a home gallery that goes beyond mere aesthetics, experts in the field of interior design delve into the transformative power of art in our homes and how it serves as a profound reflection of cultural and contemporary influences.
Artwork that goes Beyond Decoration
Each home is personal and depicts the individual story of the dweller. Our eyes travel the most to the walls, and each accent wall provides depth and richness to a room beyond imagination. “The art on our walls is not just about enhancing the aesthetic appeal of our homes; it also celebrates our cultural heritage and artistic traditions”, says Atreyee Choudhury, the principal interior architect at De Panache.
He believes that art has always been an integral part of interior design, but its role has evolved beyond mere decoration. It serves as a powerful tool to express individuality, narrate stories, and pay homage to cultural roots. “In locales like Bangalore, a burgeoning trend sees homeowners proudly showcasing local art forms, such as Mysore paintings or Channapatna wooden toys, fostering a unique character."
Choosing your patterns, motif, or style is the best starting point in determining what piece of art to use. “You can consider adding handcrafted glass mosaics, carved natural stones inspired by traditional Indian architecture, or opt for metal inlays to elevate the artistic landscape on stone or wood surfaces," he adds. Choosing the right artwork is a personal journey, resonating with aesthetic sensibilities and harmonising with overall decor. Atreyee further suggests placing the artworks at eye level or above key furniture pieces to create a captivating visual composition.
Make Your Space Your Own
Aashish Khandelwal, the visionary founder and creative force behind Hanumant Design and Developers, draws inspiration from the metaphorical notion of 'home as an art gallery’. Explaining it further, he says that “Similar to an artist, a decorator also infuses their personality and cultural influences into his\her designs.”
He believes that incorporating our own style or aesthetic in spaces where we spend almost all of our time can make them homely, more comfortable, and enhance the beauty of the space like no other décor can. Additionally, to make your home decor more personal and welcoming, Aashish places a notable emphasis on the concept of wall artistry. “The Indian heritage has always incorporated wall artistry into their spaces, be it temples, homes, monuments, or anything, because artistic walls have always held a prominent position because they celebrate the culture and enhance the beauty of the space without much effort," he suggests.
Cultural and Modern Significance of Artistic Walls
Sonal Pawar, Principal Interior Designer at Decode Interior, expands on the notion that art on ancient walls served as a storytelling medium, offering insights into the history, culture, and aesthetic preferences of earlier civilizations. She underscores the cultural and modern significance of artistic walls, spanning from historical depictions on ancient cave surfaces to contemporary street art. Pawar emphasises that walls, as artistic canvases, not only serve to ignite discussions but also challenge societal norms, fostering increased public awareness of pressing global issues by amplifying voices that might otherwise remain unheard.
Stating how artworks and creative walls have expanded beyond the confines of physical space with the development of digital technologies, Sonal explains, “These works may instantly connect with audiences around the world through social media and online platforms, promoting intercultural communication and understanding by increasing the potential for overcoming regional boundaries and enabling the interchange of ideas and artistic expressions that exist with digital representations.”
By Kratika Agarwal
