Cultural Kaleidoscope
of India
Process of Designing Permanent and Temporary Signage
Skills: Photoshop and Illustrator
About The Project
FAMILY & CULTURE
For a class project, I am creating four banners that represent my family’s background and culture. The challenging aspect of this assignment is that I am limited to using only two colors throughout the entire project. I can use these colors through layering and opacity adjustments, including overlapping them, but I am not allowed to mix them to create new shades.
My objective is to thoughtfully select two colors that effectively portray my family’s traditions and cultural heritage, while still communicating depth and meaning within the visual constraints of the project.
Process
ABOUT THE PROJECT
For a class project, the 4 banner designs should be related to the country of origin I am from.
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1st banner: state majority of my family is from
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2nd banner: family career or religion
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3rd banner: auspicious event
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4th banner: yearly event/occurance
Research
TELANGANA STATE
In the history of my family from Telangana state, Shamshabad district, many of my ancestors actively participated in the Indian independence movement while maintaining their livelihood through diverse means such as farming, weaving, poultry, and animal husbandry. Despite their significant contributions, their efforts often went unrecognized.
MY PATERNAL SIDE
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Hailing from the Padmashali social class, my paternal family has a rich legacy of hard work and entrepreneurship. My paternal great-grandmother, renowned for her intelligence and diligence, leveraged her financial acumen by lending money to fellow villagers and farmers at interest, ultimately propelling our family to prosperity. While some relatives within close proximity ventured into business endeavors, distant kin continue to uphold our agricultural and weaving traditions.
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My paternal grandfather was a pioneer in bringing electricity to his village, underscoring our family's commitment to progress and community development.
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Warangal-where my paternal side of the family is from, a heritage city in Telangana, stands as a testament to the glorious legacy of the Kakatiya dynasty, renowned for its majestic temples, forts, and monuments. Notable among these is the awe-inspiring Warangal Fort, distinguished by its monumental gateway carved from a single rock, adorned with intricate sculptures depicting Hindu deities. Another captivating locale is Pakhal Lake, an oasis of tranquility ensconced amidst verdant forests and rolling hills, offering solace to visitors seeking respite from the bustle of everyday life.
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On the religious front, my paternal lineage venerates Lord Shiva (Odhela), while the maternal side reveres Lord Venkatesha (Tirupati), both revered deities with iconic temples in India. It is customary for family members to offer their hair as a symbol of shedding ego during pilgrimages, a tradition extending to the first haircut of newborns. Festivals are marked by the donning of fresh attire, each imbued with profound significance.
MY MATERNAL SIDE
MY MATERNAL SIDE
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My maternal grandfather's illustrious tenure as the president of the Engineering Association of India underscored her prominence in her field. The family boasts a diverse array of talents, including artists proficient in various mediums, such as painting, with some pursuing careers as art educators or engaging in the sale of religious artwork. Additionally, several family members have excelled in the medical profession. Presently, the younger generation is forging diverse paths beyond traditional occupations.
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Furthermore, numerous relatives on the maternal side actively participated in the struggle for independence, contributing to the nation's quest for freedom and sovereignty.
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These are examples of the type of henna designs and paintings they would do. (These are not their work)
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My maternal grandfather's illustrious tenure as the president of the Engineering Association of India underscored her prominence in her field. The family boasts a diverse array of talents, including artists proficient in various mediums, such as painting, with some pursuing careers as art educators or engaging in the sale of religious artwork. Additionally, several family members have excelled in the medical profession. Presently, the younger generation is forging diverse paths beyond traditional occupations.
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Furthermore, numerous relatives on the maternal side actively participated in the struggle for independence, contributing to the nation's quest for freedom and sovereignty.
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These are examples of the type of henna designs and paintings they would do. (These are not their work)
CURRENT EVENTS:
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India is witnessing a drift towards Right Wing Nationalism, characterized by a semblance of fascism-lite ideology permeating the political landscape.
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Infrastructure development is experiencing unprecedented momentum, with ambitious projects underway to enhance connectivity and economic growth.
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The recent inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya stirred nationwide jubilation, underscoring its profound impact on Indian society.
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The resurgence of the Khalistani movement in Canada, championed by Prime Minister Trudeau, has strained relations between India and Canada, escalating tensions.
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The ongoing farmer protests have become a focal point of dissent, reflecting broader concerns about agrarian policies and rural livelihoods.
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India's penchant for banning various cultural imports, exemplified by the prohibition of a Japanese anime adaptation of the Ramayan in the early 90s, underscores the complexities of cultural sensitivities and national identity.
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Traditional artisanal industries, reliant on government subsidies, are grappling with stiff competition from mass-produced goods, leading to their decline.
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Historically, Indian music has centered around vocalists, but a shifting cultural landscape is fostering greater appreciation for instrumentalists and diverse genres, including emerging interest in Indian metal bands.
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The decline of patronage from royal families, exacerbated by British colonial policies favoring British-made goods, dealt a blow to India's artistic heritage, hindering its recovery.
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India boasts a rich tapestry of distinct art styles, with each state preserving its unique cultural heritage, such as Madhubani from Bihar and Warli from Maharashtra.
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Notably, many ancient Indian statues exhibit Greek influences, including depictions of Buddha, highlighting the interplay of diverse cultural influences throughout history.
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Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is undergoing a transformative phase marked by unprecedented infrastructural development and economic reforms, exemplified by initiatives like Make in India, aimed at fostering domestic manufacturing and job creation to elevate the standard of living.
SPECIAL EVENTS
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Ram Mandir is the most auspicious event in the last few years
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Diwali
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moon festival
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Pushkaram – all the rivers comes to one place in every 12 years. Bathing in that area gives you good luck.
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Dussehra
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Holi
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Kumbh mela celebrated once in every 12 years
Banner Concepts
BANNER 1
This is about the Telegana State. Sketches are based on the speration of Andra Pradesh, animals and symbols representing the state.
BANNER 2
My family social class back in India is Padmashali so the career represented is farming. In addition, there are artist in the family, therefore I am combining both art and farming together.
BANNER 3
Once in 12 years is a auspicious day called Pushparam which celebrate all 12 zodiac signs.
BANNER 4
Last is Diwali - festival of lights. From lamps to Barthanatyam (traditional dances) that incorporates dancing using lamps/lanterns, there are also stories based on this festivals.
Color Palette
While researching India, I explored colors that could symbolize its essence—from its rich history to the vitality of its people. The two colors I selected to represent its nature are orange and purple. I then experimented with various shades of both colors to determine which combinations would work best. Additionally, I considered what illustrations would complement these shades while still appearing natural and visually harmonious.
Concept Sketches
Portfolio
Check it out!
