When IPL became a reference point for learning art history

“Generally, art history is inaccessible and a difficult subject to understand for the layman. My idea was to educate people about the historical significance of various regions in a simple manner. I discussed it with my team and since it’s the IPL season, what better subject than cricket to teach people about art history. 

I decided to use different jersey colours to dive into the art history of each city the team represents. It’s more relevant and could create a bigger impact on people. That’s how the art series, Hues of the IPL, was born,” she tells us.

A huge cricket fan, Gayathri feels that art history should be made more accessible, relatable and interesting. The Ph.D. student from JNU has dedicated seven years to study Indian art and culture.

Talking about CSK’s turmeric yellow colour jersey and Chennai’s cultural connect, she explains, “Tamil Nadu is a state rich in art history, and the bright, sunny yellow colour that is emblematic of CSK’s team finds itself in several art historical contexts. There is some similarity between the orange outline of the lion at the bottom of the CSK jersey to the glint of gold from Tanjore paintings. 

Likewise, the sunny colour of the cave paintings at Sittanavasal is also similar to the team’s jersey colour. But my favourite reference is the beautiful legacy of bronzes that emit a golden glow and the kind of yellow haze that you could spot in the stadium.”

Through the art series, the dance scholar aims to reach as many youngsters and create awareness about art history. The last in her series is the reference between Kolkata Knight Riders and the city, Kolkata. “Kolkata is known as the city of dreams, and we find the purple army in every corner. 

Whether it is in the iconic atelier of Jamini Roy or the rich tradition of Kalighat paintings, purple seems to echo from Kolkata’s history. I couldn’t help admire the beautiful lavender colour of the main idol during Kali puja and made it as a reference,” she explains.

The art historian hopes that people who notice her art series could develop interest in history and culture.