Body Painting - The Intricacies: The
origin of body painting is unknown, but its use has been widespread -
sometimes as an art form, sometimes as a part of tradition, and the
other times, as a necessity. The evidence of body painting is found in
ancient practices across various cultures and remains a popular fashion
statement in the present times.
There is no set style or technique for
body painting. It can be a localized design or a fuller one, covering
the entire body in some cases. The color pigments used can be natural or
synthetic. Similarly, it can be a work of an expert or an amateurish
hand of a novice. However, unlike permanent tattoos, body paints are
temporary or semi-permanent in nature.
The Geographical Spread: Painting
the body was prevalent in ancient Egyptian civilization, where Pharaohs
and high-class individuals painted their faces in red ochre & white
pigments, and eyes in kohl. The Himba group of Namibia also generously
uses red ochre. These people paint their entire bodies in the uniform
pigment, as a traditional practice. In India, body painting is an
elaborate work of expertise, which requires training and a lot of
experience. One of the best examples of this art is the make-up of
Kathakali dancers that involves the use of white, red, black, and yellow
colors against a base of bottle green color, on face.
The
use of 'henna,' a natural plant extract, is very popular among the
Indian women across the country and is again, done by trained experts.
Henna is used for decorating the hands and feet in beautiful, complex
designs. Native Americans use streaks, concentric circles, and other
patterns of colors, which include red, white, yellow, blue, and black.
The indigenous Yolngu people of Australia use detailed and painstaking
technique to embellish their bodies. It is an inspiration for many other
art forms and a job that only the experts can do.
Painted
faces have been a trademark of comedians and mimics, throughout the
history of performing arts. Body painting has found as much use in
military operations, as in local communities. Facial colors,
particularly in nature tones are heavily employed as camouflage by
almost all armies in the world. Now days, this art has become a fad,
especially among the youth and is treated more as an avant-garde fashion
accessory, rather than as a religious belief. Across the US and Europe,
body painting is used in theatre, cinema, fashion, carnivals, and body
painting festivals. Despite facing criticism and rejection from various
corners, this art continued to grow and is still evolving!
