For my Art History class, I had the opportunity to create an gallery guide for a fictional art exhibition of my choice. I chose to represent South Indian culture with my exhibit called Deccan Colors, which is an immersive experience in the beauty and craftsmanship of South Indian handicrafts and mural paintings. This exhibit challenges us to consider how aesthetics and ethics intertwine, creating dialogues about tradition, identity, and the evolving roles of art institutions. I drew inspiration from traditional art, textiles, and architecture while translating it into a modern, accessible gallery guide.
Context
Deccan Colors takes its name from the Sanskrit word “Dakshina,” meaning “south,” which refers to the Deccan Plateau, a vast region in southern India that spans several states. On view at the Hopkins Hall Gallery in Columbus, from January 17 to March 8, the exhibition would feature nine curated art objects that reflect the rich cultural and visual diversity of the region. The printed gallery guide highlights five key works, offering visitors a deeper look into the vibrant themes and narratives that shape the exhibit.I created a moodboard to inform my design process. This moodboard draws from the rich visual language of South India It blends traditional textile motifs, temple architecture, and vibrant color palettes to inform the design. The intricate patterns, hand-painted elements, and elegant editorial layouts contrast well to reflect a balance between cultural heritage and contemporary design sensibilities.
What’s Inside
- introduction
- gallery map
- upcoming events
- exhibit highlights: mural paintings
- exhibit highlights: textiles
- exhibit highlights: wood carvings
- acknowledgements
- gallery guidelines
Flip Through the Guide here
Sources
All artwork images and descriptions from Google Arts and Culture.Information from:
- https://diversedestination.com/author/admin. “Textiles of Southern India.” Diverse Destination - Building Bonds beyond Boundaries., 30 Dec. 2022
- “KALAMKARI.” The Design Cart
- “Sundari Silks.” Sundari Silks, 2024
- Kavya Shree. “History of Tanjore Painting | Ethnic.” Ethnic Tanjore Arts, 29 Jan. 2024
- Rajvanshi, Nehal. “Tanjore Paintings: A Living Legacy.” PeepulTree, 5 Mar. 2021
Working on Deccan Colors has been a rewarding experience to me since it allowed me to connect with my Southern Indian heritage through design! Bringing this project together felt like piecing together childhood memories of visiting local art galleries and textile shopping in India. The process became more than just a project, it became a way to reconnect with home and share that cultural richness with others in a meaningful and intentional way.