About the event

Tanjore Art (or Thanjavur painting) is a classical Indian art form that originated in the town of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, during the 16th century. It’s known for its rich colours, surface richness, and iconic gold foil work, often depicting Hindu deities in a frontal, symmetrical form. The backgrounds are typically flat and vivid, with intricate details adding dimension.

Traditionally, Tanjore paintings were made on wood with a base of cloth, limestone paste, and chalk. The gold used is not just for shine — it symbolises divinity and timelessness. While deeply rooted in temple art and devotion, contemporary artists have started adapting the form to modern subjects and palettes — though the grandeur and reverence remain.

About the Workshop

The Grace of the Peacock, in Tanjore. This artwork captures the elegance of the peacock in traditional Tanjore style — rich with embossed gold work, jewel tones, and intricate curves. While Tanjore art is typically known for divine imagery, this piece celebrates the natural world through the same lens of opulence and devotion. In this workshop, participants will explore Tanjore-style relief techniques using gold foil, stylised natural forms (feathers, curves, flourishes) and discover how classical art can blend into contemporary expression!

Indicative Flow of the 2-day Workshop

Day 1: Introduction to Tanjore Art, Composition and Relief Work

Day 2: Detailing, Gold Leaf Application, Final touch-ups and border work

About Gali Art Fest 2025

Gali Art Fest is an initiative of Alive Studio to honour India’s handmade traditions — not through textbooks or timelines, but by picking up the brush ourselves. Our team of mentors & art practitioners guide you through folk and craft-inspired workshops where you’ll try traditional techniques and reimagine them in ways that fit into your everyday — on journals, textiles, keepsakes, and walls. It’s for anyone who’s curious about where our art comes from and how we can keep it alive — not by preserving it in glass but by making it with our own hands.