TRADITIONAL RITUAL PERFORMANCE
AND BODY ART OF THEYYAM - INDIA
Theyyam is an Indian tradition – a ritual performance which takes place in front of the village shrines in Kerala, Southern India. The word Theyyam translates as ‘GOD’ – ‘The dance of the Gods’. The performance combines many art forms: dance, sculpture, body art, music and usually fire is prevalent in the performance piece. The dance is an offering to the Hindu Goddess Kali – she is the destroyer and is synonymous with those powerful elements. ‘Every deity’s physical appearance conforms to an image envisaged centuries ago in the dream or vision of a respected Guru’.
"I think the intricacy of the body painting for these specific characters is amazing. This painting is my tribute to the Theyyam tradition."
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
LIZZIE RIGBY
“I have created a blog to record my findings through researching tribal traditions of many cultures and how body painting has developed and exists in our society today, from the fashion industry to fine art photography.
LIZZIERIGBY.CO.UK
Through exploring ancient ceremonies and incredible artists I hope to gain knowledge and understanding as well as inspiration to apply to Cabasa’s ongoing body painting project."
