Teaching and performing the Indian art of Rangoli is an important part of my practice, and connects me to my cultural heritage.

Rangoli is an ancient ephemeral art form practiced throughout India. Designs are drawn onto the ground, usually in chalk or colored powder and embellished with sand, rice, candles or flower petals. Rangoli is an expression of the creative self, often viewed as a form of self-portraiture. Designs are composed of geometric and curvilinear patterns, usually derived from nature. After the Rangoli is complete, the image is simply allowed to blow away with the wind – serving as a metaphor for the impermanence of life.

Rangoli is a beautiful and expressive art form that transcends age, language and cultural barriers. Quiet and meditative in process, Rangoli enables us to find a temporary disconnect from our daily stresses whilst engaging in a fun and creative activity. Some examples of how Rangoli can be used:

* Temporary public art
* To celebrate the opening of a building or an auspicious event
* As an educational tool for schools, universities and museums; used as a meditative activity, or integrated into the math curriculum
* As a successful and engaging workshop experience within schools and universities, hospitals, women’s groups, various community settings, festivals, art galleries and museums.

For more examples of my Rangoli work, please check out the News page: http://gowrisavoor.com/category/rangoli/