[Yojana March 2024 Summary] Folk Art Reimagined Using Modern Techniques- Explained Pointwise

Contemporary Digitisation has been revolutionising every aspect of Human lives. The realm of contemporary Indian folk art is also facing increasing pressure to adapt to modern technological advancements like digitisation and virtual representation. However, there is also a challenge to preserve the intrinsic essence of these traditions amidst evolving technological Changes.

What is Folk Art? What is the importance of Folk art?

Folk art covers all forms of visual art made in the context of folk culture. These art forms are expressed through music, dance, and visual representations. They are deeply rooted in the cultural specifics of communities.

Importance of Folk Art

a. Folk art serves as a medium for preserving unique customs and contributes to fostering of communal cohesion.

b. Folk art serves as a means for articulating collective consciousness and their historical
legacy.

c. Folk art facilitates sustainable community engagement.

In the modern era, folk art and music are shifting to the digital realm for their presentation.
This provides an opportunity for these folk art to preserve their cultural heritage, so that they can reach a broader audience, particularly among younger generations.

What are the advantages of folk art presentation using modern techniques?

1. Transcending geographical and cultural boundaries- Smart virtual technologies offer an opportunity for folk art forms to evolve and reach broader audiences through digital dissemination by transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

2. Facilitate Cross-cultural influence- Modern techniques like digitisation and virtual medium, facilitates glocalisation of Indian folk art.

3. Relevance of contemporary audiences- Infusion of modern elements revitalises these folk practices, making them relevant to contemporary audiences.

4. Enhances Community Engagement- The use of modern techniques for folk art dissemination enhances community engagement as it connects different communities across the globe.

5. Identity and change- Digital dissemination of folk art forms, helps them in adapting and flourishing while retaining their intrinsic cultural significance.

What are the challenges in disseminating folk art using modern techniques?

1. Threats of Mutation and Dilution- Some experts have expressed apprehensive concerns regarding the potential dilution of the subtle, abstract, and intuitive elements inherent in traditional folk art forms.

2. Failure to convey nuanced expressions- There is growing concern among traditional masters about whether performance through virtual mediums can adequately convey the nuanced expressions that are expected to be felt physically.

3. Algorithmic bias and mass standardisation- There are dangers of algorithmic bias and mass standardisation for these unique art forms, which can inadvertently erase the locality-specific nuances of folk traditions.

4. Risks of Homogenisation- There are risks of homogenisation, commodification and reduction to superficial representations devoid of their original depth and meaning.

5. Balance between innovation and preservation- We must maintain the integrity of these folk elements by maintaining a delicate balance between innovation and preservation.

What should be the way forward?

1. Collaboration between technologists and artists- Collaborative efforts between modern technologists and artists, who have an in-depth understanding of tradition, can be endeavoured to ensure that digital adaptations retain the genuineness and richness of their traditional counterparts.

2. Finding methodology to preserve authenticity- A well-thought-out practical solution must be devised wherein these folk art forms, while retaining their intrinsic cultural significance, can adapt and flourish amidst the rapid pace of change.

3. Sensitivity and respect for diversity- It is essential to approach the digitisation of folk art with sensitivity and respect for its diversity and its connection to our rich heritage.

4. Balance between innovation and preservation- We must strike a well-thought-out
balance between innovation and preservation, to ensure that folk art forms thrive in the digital age without sacrificing their essence.