The Rangoli Project

During the Spring of 2012, the Intermediate and Advanced Sculpture students had an opportunity to work on a public art project based on traditional folk art from India.   The artwork, called a Rangoli, consists of decorative designs made on floors with colored rice, dry flour (colored) sand or flower petals. 
 

Vijayalakshmi Mohan, one of the leading Rangoli artists in the world, has been creating Rangoli since the age of five. She has since created Rangoli designs at the President’s Hotel for Japanese tourists, Mehru Planeterium, large auditoriums and community centers. In 2003 Mohan broke the Guinness World Record by single-handedly drawing a Rangoli that was 52 feet by 53 feet in seven hours without a break, nearly doubling the previous record. 

After taping a layer of black plastic to the floor, Vijaya begins the project with a prayer.

She then described the history and cultural significance  of the Rangoli.

After Vijaya drew contours the she taught students how to evenly apply colored foods into the shapes.

Here are the materials used to create a 100 square foot Rangoli.

Dr. Adidam, a professor of  Marketing and Management initiated the project, as well as the partnership between the School of Business and the Department of Art and Art History.

This group of students were praised by Vijaya for their attentiveness, quick learning and skilled technique.  They were invited by to apprentice Vijaya at her studio in Singapore.

Done.

Vijaya presents Professor Helm and Dr. Carlson, chair of the department of AAH, with a gift.

We were fortunate that the local news station WOWT stopped by and did a nice piece that was aired on the evening news.