← Back Published on

Traditional Arts in the Modern Era! - Restoration or Transformation

Heraclitus rightly said, "The Only Constant in Life Is Change." Gen Z has aptly embraced this philosophy. They have been able to adapt to changes quite easily. They are all about fusion, be it a fusion of food or Art! The rendition of the old has fast become a thing in the Modern Era we live in. But not all is hunky-dory in the world of remixes, for there are few who have been unable to adapt to this new genre of Art. Is it that great of a concern? Is the apprehension real that the next generations would forget the Traditional Art?

The interpretation of Art is a very subjective topic, and we respect every individual and their thoughts. However, we wish to jump into the discussion and put forth our views. Let us understand what Traditional Art is and why the oldies (as most Gen Z call the old school people) emphasize its importance and nurturing.

Traditional Art is ideally a part of a culture or group, which hands down the knowledge and skills to the next generation. So, for example, when we speak about Indian Traditional Art forms, we have Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Classical Carnatic Music, Warli Painting, Madhubani painting, etc. that are passed on from one generation to the other by the concept of Guru-Shishya (Teacher-Student).

We understand that transforming the old to new is a necessity to keep it alive. However, while doing so, the next generation should ensure the base and the values of these art forms remain unharmed.

Apart from having an aesthetic and entertainment value, these Traditional Art forms have many benefits, which should be considered while restoring or transforming them to fit the modern era.

Some of the benefits of these Traditional Arts are:

  1. Physical and Mental Wellness: Every Art form has a positive impact on our mind and body. E.g., dance forms like Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Ghoomar, etc., ensure that we stay physically fit. It is a form of effortless exercise! Classical singing improves lung capacity and helps with deep breathing, owing to the Aalaps used in singing. It is a well-known fact that any form of Art relaxes our mind and reduces stress. As a result, there is an increase in energy as well as productivity!
  2. Improves concentration: This is a crucial point that encourages parents to enroll their kids in activities related to arts. Not just would they be learning something new, they would also concentrate much better in academics and other extracurricular activities.
  3. A boost to social status: Studies have shown Individuals who are proficient in Art are looked upon and recognized by their peers. This boosts not only their confidence but also their social status.
  4. Value of the culture: When we study and understand a concept in-depth, it imbibes respect for the art form's culture, and the artists understand the need to keep the essence alive.
  5. Traditional Art as the base for new beginnings: Let us take the example of Music to understand this. For generations, Music has been based on the seven notes: Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Si, or Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa. Hence, learning and re-learning Traditional Art would assure that future changes, renditions are easy to compose without losing the flavor of the original composition.

We understand that changes are inevitable, yet losing the essence of the original idea is not the way to embrace the change. The modern era does ask for either Restoration or Transformation of the Original idea or Art. However, it is up to us to strike a balance between these two and ensure the new genre created does not overshadow the basics that have been taught through the years.