Kerala Kalamandalam – A name associated with the cultural renaissance in Kerala is a place that has been immortalized on the cultural map of the world.
It is an institution that has preserved and propagated Kathakali, the classical dance-drama of Kerala, an art form that is revered for its rich tradition and glorious history. With its focus on perfection, the Kerala Kalamandalam is recognized as one of the most distinguished and possibly the most popular centers of the performing arts in the world.
Our connect with the Kerala Kalamandalam happened when we visited this institution in 2010 as part of our study tour. More than the classic beauty of the setting, what struck us was the atmosphere and the emotional resonance in the air. We walked through this simple, pure, culturally rich campus, and couldn’t help but feel that we were soaking in a slice of rich tradition and deep history. The brief tour went beyond just the visit.
We created a souvenir store to not only promote but also educate people about this beautiful art form. We designed a list of communication materials like school map, signage system, information leaflets, prospectus and a direct mailers. Its branding elements like a fresh new identity for the school, brand stationery, promotional calendars and merchandise saw the application of a number of different printing techniques. Kathakali being the main focus of this university, our designs are inspired from this beautiful dance-drama.
Kathakali is the unique gift of the picturesque state of Kerala to India. Embedded in stories from the epics-Ramayana, Mahabharata and other ancient scriptures, this dance form is believed to have originated in the 16th century. Kathakali can be described as a highly stylized classical Indian dance-drama that is known for its story telling style of performance, noted for heavy make-up and stunning costumes. Detailed gestures and well-defined body movements (presented in tune with anchor playback music and complementary percussion) are some other notable features of the dance. Elaborate masks, huge skirts and big head-dresses are uniquely used by the performers of Kathakali.
The scenes are enacted with much vigor and vitality to bring to life the myths and legends. As Kathakali comes alive on stage, the characters they enact seem so real, that at some point during the performance one feels as though they have swapped their real identities with the characters. But what very few people in the audience know of the number of years spent on developing skills that lead to such a performance. From the complex and intricate body movements that require suppleness of muscles, to the hours of practice of the ‘abhinaya’ (facial expressions) along with long hours of getting ready with make-up and costume for the final performance, Kathakali is truly a supreme test of patience and endurance.
We dedicate our work to this spirit of Kathakali, hoping to infuse some of the immortality of this dance form in our creations. The work spans over a period of 2-3 months and is painstakingly created with the help of three of my colleagues from college.
Logo
Business Card
Stationery
Brochure
Signage
Institute Map
Kathakali Drama Charectors
Calender Templates
This unique annual calendar consists of 12 gold foiled cards each with a character mask of a Kathakali performer. Each facial mask stands for a certain set of values that the character is supposed to have. For example, fierce characters such as demons have red beard. Their lips are generally black with bristles stretching from eyebrows to the top of lips. Heroes such as Krishna and Rama (kings and noblemen) have green faces with red lips and darkened eyes.
The wooden case in which each card rests has a cutout of the typical shape of big lips of a Kathakali dancer revealing the month's details. Information about the dance-form and significance of its characters is printed behind the card. Each mask is laser cut and stuck seperately on the gold-foiled card with a slight elevation to give a 3D (pop-up) effect.
Wall Hanging
A few chosen postcards from the lot have been showcased here.
Information of the performers including some interesting facts about
Kathakali are printed behind the post card
Direct Mailer
Kerala massage oils are world famous. The school too houses some of the natural oil and uses it for massages, as the rigorous dance form requires muscles to be supple.
We designed packaging for the oil bottles.
Shooping Bags and Gifting Box
Tea Coasters
We couldn't resist designing garments of the bold and colourful facial masks. Each of the garments seen here is screen printed with great attential to detail. The fabric used is pure silk along with stone embellishment wherever appropriate.
Cushion Covers
Halter Neck Top
Silk Stole
Top
Making of Mask
This is a 3D mask of the main character (Krishna) from Kathakali. We created this in order to give the viewers an idea of the intricate design and embellishment that goes onto a Kathakali dancer's face. The dancers take 7-8 hours or even more for their make up.
Below is the making of the mask.
Exhibition Display
