“A work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament.”
Folk art teaches us essential details related to artistic expression and cultural context as communication. The same further helps us to better understand communities. Hemlata Kabdwal (Himani) is amongst those rare breeds of Aipan artists that recognizes and understands the cultural nuances that come with learning and teaching this ritualistic folk art originated in the Kumaon region of the Indian Himalayas. Practised during a few specific rituals, ceremonies and special occasions, Aipan is believed to evoke a unique divine power meant to attract good fortune while deterring evil. Aipan is derived from the Sanskrit word “Lepana” which means “Plaster”. Intriguingly, this art is known by different names in different parts of India. Originated in Uttrakhand in Almora district and discovered during the Chand Dynasty’s reign, the motifs and designs of Aipan are inspired by myriad aspects of Nature and the beliefs of the community.
Hemlata Kabdwal “Himani” belongs to one of the most picturesque towns of Uttrakhand named Satoli, Mukteshwar. While studying in 11th standard itself, she decided to pursue her dream of shaping a career in Aipan folk art. After gaining popularity in the gamut of Aipan folk art, Hemlata Kabdwal has embarked on an intriguing journey of grasping varied other folk art from different parts of India to create their Fusion with Uttrakhand’s folk art “Aipan”. She draws her inspirations from her mother and her elder sister and wall artist, Vivek Chandra Bisht has contributed immensely in her career by passing on his valuable knowledge, ideas and experience in the context of artwork decoration.
After the untimely demise of her father, the entire journey to recognition and fame has not been smooth sailing for Hemlata Kabdwal. Currently pursuing her studies from SSJ Campus (Almora), she shuffled between Science streams to the Arts stream. During the same time, she began to focus on Aipan art while completing her intermediate from State Inter College. Hemlata was keen to seek admission into a prestigious Arts Institute but in the absence of the relevant resources and information, she could not do so and hence decided to seek admission in the Arts stream. Hemlata found her first big career break when Woodhouse Farm (Mukteshwar) offered her an opportunity to exhibit her art products. From here, her popularity began soaring in domestic and international spheres. This opportunity also helped Hemlata Kabdwal in meeting her study expenditures. During this phase, she met with one of the most performance-driven contemporary actors Manoj Bajpai who not only bought a few artworks from her but also offered her candid professional art tips.
Done on empty walls named Geru featuring brick-red, Aipan possesses a remarkable religious, cultural and social importance. Aipan is mainly practised during the following festivals
Special Motifs of Aipan are:-
Manu more Special Aipan motifs include Durga Thapa, Jyoti Patta, Acharya Chowki, Shivarchan Peeth and more.
A folk-artist imbued with Aipan legacy, Hemlata Kabdwal has transformed herself into an instrument passing on the Aipan proficiency torch to numerous rural women who are striving to accomplish financial independence. Hemlata Kabdwal also provides online folk art classes via Zoom and Instagram and also markets and sells her folk artworks via online platforms.
Hemlata Kabdwal is one of those next-gen artists who are devoted to the revival of the folk arts. Contrary to the beliefs, the modern generation never lost its appetite for folk art. Her Aipan-focused artworks can be found and purchased from her social media platforms. Hemlata Kabdwal feels that due to the flawed presentation of folk art Aipan, it may lose its intrinsic purpose thereby may become inauthentic. As far as Himani’s take on Aipan is concerned, she strives to live up to its dignified reputation that is authentic and rooted.
She believes that women of Uttrakhand have a golden opportunity to take forward the legacy of the Aipan folk art as the folkloric motifs continue to retain their validity and integrity and worldwide people now look forward to celebrating all things traditional. With Aipan folk art embedded in her subconsciousness, Hemlata Kabdwal has emerged as an instrument in preserving artistic heritage while creating memorable moments in myriad homes across Indian villages to cater to the ever-growing demand for folk art in the international market.
Greatly influenced from Tolstoy, Hemlata’s favourite quote is “Having rejected the use of beauty in definitions of art, Tolstoy conceptualises art as anything that communicates emotion: “Art begins when a man, with the purpose of communicating to other people a feeling he once experienced, calls it up again within himself and expresses it by certain external signs”.
Inspired by the natural motifs, Hemlata Kabdwal is a contemporary Aipan artist who is relentlessly engaged in experimenting with vivid folk arts besides Aipan to come up with the best possible “Fusion Art” versions. Getting organized regarding marketing and selling her Aipan artwork is one of the biggest art goals.
“Fine art is that in which the hand, the head, and the heart of man go together.”
Story Research Credit: @Dr Swati Trivedi Dave
Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any points or suggestions? Cheers