Kaavi is more than a visual art form. It connects architecture, spirituality and ecology, says Rudranil Dey.
Traditionally, there have been many forms of artistic expression that have been slowly disappearing. As a result of an increasingly fast-moving world and massive use of commercial building materials such as glass, steel and concrete, the fine art of traditional craftsmanship is vanishing. However, there are still a few art forms that have continued to exist only because they have been kept alive by individual artists, the people and the land they come from, rather than through any institutional support. One such remaining art form is Kaavi.
Kaavi art originated in the coastal areas of Karnataka and Goa. It is much more than a visual art form. It is a cultural language that connects together architecture, spirituality, ecology, and the identity of its creator. Kaavi artwork turns walls into a geometric, symbolic and devotional masterpiece which has its signature red and white painting style. Red pigment is extracted from the local, iron-rich laterite earth found in the Konkan region and white pigment comes from lime plaster.
Unlike traditional painting techniques, Kaavi is an etching method. A coat of red pigment is placed over the lime coated surface and designs are then carved into that layer of red pigment to achieve a white background. Due to the subtractive nature of Kaavi art this technique requires time, patience and precision. A mistake may not be fixed unless the artist re-applies the entire negative space (all of the non-design areas) with red before recreating their design templates.
The origin of Kaavi art is closely tied to temples. You can find Kaavi-style art in sacred spaces found in Udupi, Kundapur and throughout Goa. Famous examples of the works from these monuments include the Venkatesh Temple Panskhande and the Rawalnath Temple, which clearly illustrate both the aesthetic value and importance of Kaavi as a spiritual practice.
Another important point about how this type of art originated relates to the styles of painting used through renowned kaavi artisans (painting/silhouette/ and/or flash). Traditionally, artisans used only basic tools — compasses and pointed instruments — to produce these various design styles with strict adherence to geometry.
Even before formal academic training systems were created, artisans had a complete understanding of how to use geometric relationships to create Kaavi art. Kaavi art is thought to have originated in the 13th century and therefore it is an important aspect of ancient Indian artistic heritage. Kaavi art’s development has been influenced by architectural styles and religious traditions over the centuries and as a result, it has becom an essential element of temple design. Like many other traditional art forms, Kaavi has also experienced a gradual decline due to the introduction of modern construction methods. As such, the transition from lime plaster to cement has eliminated the necessary physical support for Kaavi, since cement does not absorb natural pigments in the same manner as lime; thus, executing traditional techniques on contemporary wall surfaces is virtually impossible.
A significant shift in the materials used had wide-ranging ramifications for the practice of Kaavi Art. What was previously a flourishing practice found within the everyday cultural life of Indian society has become increasingly less prevalent. Additionally, artisans have lost opportunities to continue their craft and passing on knowledge has significantly diminished.
Eventually, Kaavi became largely seen as a relic of the past rather than as a living tradition. However, despite many challenges faced through this transition, Kaavi has not completely disappeared. A large amount of the success in preserving Kaavi art can be attributed to numerous individuals, including Janardan Rao Havnaje, who took it upon themselves to make the effort to document and conserve the cultural significance of this art form.
Janardan Rao Havnaje has been pivotal in documenting and preserving Kaavi art through his extensive research, fieldwork and restoration efforts over the last many decades. It started with his passion for art from an early age while at school. To this day, he remains devoted to the conservation of cultural arts. To-date, he has restored Kaavi murals in more than 860 locations by conducting extensive archaeological fieldwork and his efforts are also focused on education and documentation to ensure that the traditional methods are passed down through future generations. An academic from the Srinivas School of Architecture, he has incorporated Kaavi into architectural discussions, providing students with the opportunity to explore Indigenous methods. He also emphasizes the need to connect traditional knowledge with modern learning. By incorporating Kaavi into the classrooms and workshops, he has established methods for the next generation to experience and learn to appreciate Kaavi.
In addition to these methods of maintaining Kaavi and other art forms, an emerging group of artists are creating new interpretations of Kaavi for today’s culture. Sagar Naik Mule is one of these new artists; he is adding complexity to the traditions of Kaavi rather than maintaining them. His practice stresses the organic and ecological elements of Kaavi, stating repeatedly “Soil is everything”, to express the close relationship between the art form and the earth.
Kaavi’s practice is no longer restricted to temple walls for today’s practitioners; rather, artists have found new ways to incorporate Kaavi into canvas paintings and sculptures, installations and even into the public where they can reach larger audiences. The shift from traditional uses of Kaavi to modern use presents, unique challenges to artists. The challenge will come from finding the right balance between authenticity and innovation and creating new uses for Kaavi while maintaining the essence of Kaavi as we come to know it. A pivotal moment for many artists throughout history was the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many other freelance artists, many Kaavi artists relied heavily on freelance work but were left with no freelance assignment at the onset of the pandemic. With little or no income being generated by freelancing, many artists have had to rethink their artistic process and find alternate avenues for expressing themselves creatively. For many, this time of crisis, loss, and uncertainty became times of self-reflection and self-discovery and creating has become one method of accomplishing both personal and spiritual objectives.
The use of various forms of media and digital platforms has allowed many artists working in Kaavi art to connect with people outside their geographical region. Kaavi art is now being recognized at both the national and international level. There have been exhibitions, cultural events and institutional showcases of Kaavi work, giving global visibility to the art form. The fact that places like Rashtrapati Bhavan have exhibited Kaavi works shows the significance of Kaavi art within the Indian cultural context. The exhibition of Kaavi work in public spaces, such as the Mangalore International Airport, shows the successful integration of traditional art into a contemporary context.
The increased participation by international artists in Kaavi has contributed to its growing recognition as a unique art, something that is more than just a piece of culture, but an environmentally sustainable and green practice where the integration of natural materials is aligned with other international goals toward sustainable development. In this context, Kaavi art reflects a contemporary, creative response to the need for preservation and respect for the earth. Additionally, the hands-on process of using the dirt and lime has been described as a form of therapy with a therapeutic and soothing quality known as “soiling therapy.”
Nonetheless, significant challenges remain for Kaavi artists. There is still a lack of awareness about this form of art, particularly among the younger generation. The recognition of Kaavi as an art form and receiving a geographical indication (GI) tag, is ongoing. Thus far, there is no formal recognition or support for, Kaavi art as a sustainable practice and as a sustainable art form, making it difficult to predict the art form’s long-term viability. Goa, specifically, has become a major hub for Kaavi art revival. Artists and cultural advocates in Panaji are working to create a place for Kaavi art as an example of both historical and contemporary culture. The emergence of cultural ambassadors and recognition at regional levels of Kaavi art demonstrates the continued growth of Kaavi art.
At a deeper level, the philosophy of Kaavi art is more than visual representation. It encompasses connection— connection to earth; to tradition and to community. The mediums used to create this type of art are not only functional but also carry meanings as symbols. For instance, soil represents life and continuity, and thus as artists use these materials in their work, they create a dual experience of being creative and reflective. This philosophical aspect is shown in how artists talk about their art. Many are more concerned with having humility, patience and respect, as it relates to traditional forms of the work. The experience of etching a pattern on the wall becomes a meditative experience for the artist, as they are part of both the creative process and a larger cultural narrative. The advancement of Kaavi art necessitates a balance between preservation and innovation. Kaavi possesses far more significance than merely red and white paint; it serves as a representation of our collective human experiences while we are alive on this planet. It is rather, an extensive record of human spirituality, perseverance, and connection with one another.
