Artistic Folklore: A global Instagram hub that helps people connect, learn and create folk art
It began with a single hashtag. Two hobby artistes, Aishwarya Magesh and Lakshmi Radhakrishnan posted works for a themed Instagram challenge, organised by another creator, Megha Mocherla. Admiring one another's pieces, they struck up a conversation and discovered a shared love for Indian folk traditions. Hence, they decided to set themes of their own and invited anyone, novice or seasoned, to join in.
Together they created Artistic Folklore (@artisticfolklore), an Instagram hub, where folk art challenges run quietly, yet persistently, week-after-week. Their experiment soon needed an extra pair of hands and that is when Jyoti Navin Sharma joined in. What began as individual pursuits soon evolved into a shared space where artists and enthusiasts explored themes, learnt new techniques and celebrated together India's artistic heritage.
Indian folk art carries centuries of tradition, deeply rooted in regional customs, storytelling and religious symbolism. In today's rapidly evolving artistic landscape, folk art is finding a new momentum through online platforms, spearheaded by passionate artists, who seek to reconnect with their heritage.
Virtual handlers
The three founders come from varied backgrounds — Aishwarya, originally from Tiruchi in Tamil Nadu is a fashion designer with a degree in Costume Technology, now lives in the U.K.; Lakshmi, a medical data scientist from Kerala, grew up in Chennai and now lives in the U.S., while Jyoti Navin Sharma, from Mumbai, has a Masters in Biochemistry. Similarly, the trio also had artistic leanings, as in, Aishwarya, works as a freelance artist educator in London, conducting workshops for children and adults on mental wellbeing using art. Besides this, her personal works have been displayed at the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, U.K.
Lakshmi leaned towards Kerala aural art and Thanjavur art and delved deep into the folk arts during the Pandemic. Jyoti comes backed with a business in the textile industry. When her daughter joined the business, Jyoti returned to her long-desired passion and learnt various artforms from reputed artists such as Alok Ranjan Sahoo (Pattachitra), Mohan Prajapati and Dhani Ram (Kangra miniature), and Ajit Dilipbhai Chitara (Mata ni Pachedi).
The trio are undeterred by the different continents they live in and the different time zones, but found a way to collaborate virtually to plan strategies and workflows.
Rooted in tradition
Historically, folk art was a community-driven practice — be it murals on temple walls, intricate storytelling through scroll paintings or ritualistic symbols adorning homes. Today, in a world dominated by contemporary art and digital illustration, traditional folk art is finding new relevance. Online collaborations allow artists to engage in cross-regional interactions and explore styles beyond native traditions.
Through these collaborations, many were introduced to lesser-known forms. While Madhubani remains familiar to most, the group's initiatives have inspired artists to explore lesser-known traditions such as Mata ni Pachedi (Gujarat) and Bhil tribal art (Madhya Pradesh).
Bridging the old and the new
An interesting part is the modern touch artists lend to these art forms. While some recreate them as digital paintings, others take up contemporary topics. For instance, 'Phad on Wheels,' a recent theme saw artists paint people on bicycles, buses, even skateboards using Rajasthan's Phad style.
Lakshmi says, 'Over time, the collaborations have not only expanded the artistic awareness, but led to significant improvement in technique and execution.'
Breaking barriers 'n' boundaries
The initiative has drawn participants from all walks of life — homemakers, students, working professionals and senior citizens. They find this platform as a way to create and connect with others. Aishwarya, who works with people with dementia, believes, folk art, with repetitive patterns, is calming.
Anukrati Chauhan, a data engineer from Noida, describes the experience as therapeutic and credits the initiative for broadening her artistic horizons. She also finds the mentoring very unique in this group.
For Sonam Bansal, a software professional from Indore, the platform was all about rediscovering folk art and allowing her to reconnect with India's cultural roots.
Similarly, Chennai-based homemaker Shyamala Devi ventured into the initiative with Kolam (rangoli), an intricate ground art drawn in front of homes.
The collective has also attracted artists from across the globe. Deepti Chinni, a doctor based in the U.S., creates different art and craft works. 'When I participate in a theme, I know I am creating art alongside a group, and not in isolation.'
The initiative remains non-commercial, as in, no entry fee is collected, but all one needs to do is pin a schedule and tag #artisticfolklore, say the founders.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
Riteish Deshmukh calls wife Genelia's Sitaare Zameen Par 'Best film of the year'
Actor Riteish Deshmukh has termed wife Genelia D'Souza's "Sitaare Zameen Par" with Aamir Khan as "the best film of the year". The 'Housefull 5' actor penned an appreciation note on his Instagram handle that read, "Please do yourself a favour - go watch the best film of the year! #SitaareZameenPar is not just a movie, it's an experience. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry - and by the time it ends, it leaves you a better human being." "The true 'sitaares' of this film are the children - absolutely phenomenal performances that steal your heart and never let go," he added. Calling Aamir Bollywood's finest actor, he added, "Aamir Khan once again proves why he's one of the finest actors this country has ever seen. His performance is deeply layered, incredibly nuanced, and profoundly moving." Praising his better half, Riteish wrote, "@geneliad is pure magic on screen. She lights up every frame with her presence - her eyes say everything, and I say this not just as a husband, but as a genuine fan of her craft." Sitaare Zameen Par | Song - Shubh Mangalam Giving a shout-out to the director, he went on to share, "@ - take a bow, captain! You've created a film that is beautiful, honest, and timeless." "@divynidhisharma - your words are the soul of this story, beating with empathy and truth. @nikhilkovale - the production design feels lived-in and authentic, grounding the emotion in a world that feels heartbreakingly real. @shankarehsaanloy 's music is pure @aamirkhanproductions," Riteish concluded by praising the technical crew of "Sitaare Zameen Par". Earlier, actress Tisca Chopra, who has been a part of Aamir Khan's "Taare Zameen Par" also showered "Sitaare Zameen Par" with love and admiration. Posting a happy photo with the film's team, Tisca penned on her IG, "What Aamir does, only Aamir does. Had the absolute fortune of watching Sitaare Zameen Par, directed by the immensely talented @ with the entire cast and crew last night.." Lauding Aamir, she added, "Having worked with Aamir on Taare Zameen Par and followed his extraordinary body of work over the years, my admiration for him-as both an actor and a filmmaker-only continues to grow." Released on Friday, "Sitaare Zameen Par" has opened to positive reviews.
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
Sunjay Kapur's sister Mandhira shares rare selfie after his funeral: 'We are incomplete without you'
Sunjay Kapur, UK-based businessman and ex-husband of Karisma Kapoor, died on June 12, 2025, after a bee sting during a polo match caused cardiac arrest. His sister Mandhira shared a rare happy selfie, expressing deep sorrow. His last rites were held in New Delhi, attended by family and close friends. Sunjay Kapur, the UK-based businessman and former husband of Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor , passed away on June 12, 2025, leaving his family heartbroken. His last rites took place on June 19 in New Delhi. After his funeral, his sister Mandhira Kapur Smith shared a rare, joyful selfie with Sunjay, which has gone viral. Sunjay Kapur's Sister Shares Rare Selfie On June 19, Mandhira Kapur Smith, Sunjay's sister, posted a rare joyful selfie with him on Instagram, also featuring Superna Kapur Motwane. Alongside the photo, she expressed deep emotions, sharing how much she dearly misses her brother. She captioned the post, "We are incomplete without you." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mandhira Kapur (@mandhirakapursmith) Tragic Death During Polo Match Karisma Kapoor's ex-husband, Sunjay, tragically passed away at 53, after a shocking accident during a polo match in the UK. He accidentally swallowed a bee, which stung his windpipe and triggered a fatal cardiac arrest, leaving his loved ones devastated by the sudden loss. Funeral and Family Attendance Sunjay's funeral was attended by his ex-wife Karisma Kapoor and their children, Samaira and Kiaan. His third wife, Priya Sachdev, was also present with her son, Azarias. The ceremony saw the presence of Karisma's sister, Kareena Kapoor , and her husband, Saif Ali Khan , as well. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Heliopolis: Beautiful New Senior Apartments with Two Bedrooms Senior Apartments | Search Ads Search Now Undo Business Career Taking charge of the family business in 2015, following the death of his father, Dr. Surinder Kapur, Sunjay transformed Sona Comstar into a global player in the automotive industry. Beyond business, Sunjay was an avid polo player and shared a close friendship with Prince William. Marital Life Sunjay first married fashion designer Nandita Mahatani in 1996, but they divorced in 2000. He then married Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor in 2003, and they had two children, Samaira and Kiaan. They filed for a divorce in 2014 and were granted in 2016. Sunjay then met Priya Sachdev and married her in 2017.
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
Shaquille O'Neal confesses to destroying two Ferraris in the most bizarre luxury fail ever
Shaquille O'Neal confesses to destroying two Ferraris in the most bizarre luxury fail ever (Image Source: Getty Images) NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, also known as Shaq, recently shared a story that had fans laughing. During a podcast with @beatboxbeverages, Shaq was asked a simple question and his answer to that question was about a car and not just any car, it was his two Ferraris. That he once bought just to try and make one fit his tall frame. But it didn't go as planned. The moment quickly went viral on social media after being posted on Instagram. Shaquille O'Neal explains how he tried to stretch a Ferrari to fit his height In the interview, Shaquille O'Neal, who stands 7 feet 1 inch tall, explained that he once bought a real Ferrari and also bought a salvaged Ferrari. He then cut the real Ferrari in half and used two pieces from the salvaged one to stretch the car and make it longer. 'I bought a real Ferrari,' Shaq said in the podcast. 'Then I bought a salvaged Ferrari. We cut the real one in half, used pieces of the salvaged one to stretch it... and I still didn't fit.' After all that work, he said they had to take the top off the car permanently. This gave him about five more inches of space. It finally worked for a short time. A sudden rainstorm turned Shaq's luxury car into a soaked mess Shaq continued the story and talked about the day he decided to drive his custom Ferrari. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Forget Furosemide, Use This Household Item To Help Drain Edema Fluid WellnessGuide Learn more Undo He drove from Miami to Fort Lauderdale. But things went wrong on the way back. 'I didn't read the weather report,' he said. 'It started raining the whole way back.' Because the car had no roof, the rain came pouring in. The inside of the car got completely flooded. Shaq laughed and admitted the car was ruined. The video, shared by @beatboxbeverages, quickly got thousands of views and comments. Fans were thrilled by Shaq's frank and open discussion of his mistake. Shaq's sense of comedy is well-known, and this occasion was no exception. His narrative was amusing and a reminder that even NBA superstars can occasionally make unwise purchases. Also Read: NBA Trade Rumors: Washington Wizards are reportedly willing to trade for No. 2 pick to Draft Dylan Harper or Jeremiah Fears Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
