DOI: 10.18848/2325-1328/cgp/a254 ISSN: 2325-1360

Recontextualizing Tradition

Varuna Semwal, Shreejit Guha, Debkumar Chakrabati
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Floor art motifs have been utilized to showcase semiotic meanings. Over time, these motifs are reinterpreted in accordance with information transmission and contextual difference through generations. Such differences in perception, thus, may be further studied to understand how changes in the societal structures impact artistic perception in the context of floor line drawing practice. This study examines the intergenerational transmission of knowledge and belief systems through cultural practices, with a specific focus on Aipan, a traditional ritual art form of Uttarakhand, India. It investigates how the semiotic perception of Aipan motifs has evolved over time, influenced by changing socio-economic structures and the forces of urbanization. Through a critical investigation of these changes, the research highlights the transition of Aipan from a deeply personal, ritualistic, and domestic expression to a more professionalized and commodified form of creative production. This shift reflects a broader trend wherein traditional practices are recontextualized to align with contemporary market and cultural demands. The research further explores how these transformations have contributed to the professionalization of Aipan, shifting it from a purely ritualistic and domestic practice to a commodified form of artistic production. By analyzing the gradual transition from practice to production, the study seeks to understand the mechanisms through which traditional knowledge adapts to contemporary contexts. Emphasis is placed on identifying strategies through which the practice of Aipan can be sustained and integrated into modern socio-economic frameworks, thereby ensuring its continued relevance and contributing to broader societal well-being.

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