Welcome to The Art Blog
“The purpose of art is washing off the dust of daily life off our souls” – Pablo Picasso
Presenting 1000+ notes on the folk arts of Asia alongside the cultural stories contained within.
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~ Jaina Mishra
Museum Walk: Masks of Sri lanka
The more I see of Asian Art, the more I feel that it is impossible to know enough … There are millions of ethnic groups. Each produces at least 2-3 … Continue reading
“POWER & PATTERNS” Exhibition of Iban Ikats
You are invited to the online exhibition of interesting Iban Ikats The Iban society used the spear and the loom as symbols to evoke the differentiation of male and female … Continue reading
A Talk at The International Hajji Baba Society long ago
In a conversation with R. John Howe recently, he reminded me of a talk ‘The Blue Veil’ done in Washington DC many years ago. I have fond memories of that … Continue reading
Art in Architecture: A Trivandum Nobleman’s House
Am fortunate that I got to stay in this home-hotel on my way to Poovar a few years ago. An amazingly serene place that is in the vicinity of one … Continue reading
Exhibition: “Confluence — Hindu Art from Indonesia” by Wovensouls
Dates: Oct 24th, 2023 — Nov 25th 2023 Where: Link The historical connection between India and Indonesia is well documented. We have the legend Boeeta Bandaan from Odisha, India that … Continue reading
Costumes of Tibet
A few decades ago, thousands of Tibetans moved to Himachal Pradesh, India and settled down there along with the Dalai Lama. Dharamshala and the surrounding areas have since assumed a … Continue reading
Song of a Bhopa
On a recent trip to a small town in Himachal Pradesh I came across this little family far way from their home. The Ravanhatta musical instrument is a signature of … Continue reading
Wayang Batik – Hindu Influences in the Art of Indonesia
Isn’t that Lord Ganesh bowing? (the elephant’s trunk is the clue…) Lord Ganesha in Asset 1749 This is a scene from a large Wayang Batik textile from Cirebon Indonesia. Surprised … Continue reading
Nothing Left to Lose
“Nothing left to lose” is a sad statement … it is not a position to be envied – because surely each life must have at least one thing, one relationship, … Continue reading
Addicted to the Movement
Or I could say addicted to the skies. My sweet mentor Mrs. Wagle once told me of a failed project. She had seen the balloon sellers who set out out … Continue reading
Art of Egypt
A few gems of art seen in Egypt. From various periods and various styles…a delight for my eyes. ** jaina mishra July 2023 wovensouls.com
Costumes from Egypt
Pictures from the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation depicting the dress of he women of the desert. I have great faith in the traditional wisdom that is passed down the … Continue reading
Learn Geometry through Antiques
So I got sent an “maybe you’ll like this” type of email from an auction house. It featured an old map. I knew that people collected old maps but knew … Continue reading
A Courtesan Scene in a Kantha Textile
A textile caught my attention for the unique scene it depicted…. Men, women, dancing, musicians… This is clearly set in a ‘Kotha’ in which courtesans and dancing girls welcomed noblemen … Continue reading
Student Monks at Norbulingka Monastery
Student Monks begin their learning of Buddhist scriptures at a young age. Sitting amongst them as they chant in an atmosphere of scent and vapors of yak butter lamps in … Continue reading
Folk Music Concert on the Street, Hanoi
Sharing some pictures of a lovely evening at a street concert outside a temple in Hanoi It did not matter that I stood or sat on a rock. All that … Continue reading
The Joys of Daily Life – in Silk
The scenes in a shawl made a hundred years ago show moments of pleasure and joy. And clearly these scenes give us joy even today. Smoking in the garden, holding … Continue reading
Portraits from Mizoram
A decade ago I witnessed the amazing culture of Mizoram at a festival and took some photos. Presenting some photos here once again: Chapchar Kut is the harvest festival celebrated … Continue reading
Indian Art – Paintings in The Kangra Museum
The first floor of the Kangra museum made the trip worthwhile. I am not a student of Indian fine art – so it was easy for me to enjoy these. … Continue reading
Embroideries in The Kangra Museum
Collectors of Indian textiles will already know of the double-sided Chamba Rumaals made in Himachal Pradesh. These usually have scenes from the Krishnayan – the life of Krishna. The art … Continue reading
Tibetan Weavings
A little video clip of street photos taken in Dharamshala. And a few warm moments spent with a welcoming elderly Tibetan woman. And in case the video is not visible … Continue reading
