SATISH: Methods Of Investigation

Task 4

We are require to look into a topic, then do a research on it. This is to draft and learn research skills that might be helpful in future.

The topic that i have selected is about the Rangoli tradition. To make research on rangoli, the topic that i have selected is to explore an alternative way to make a rangoli.

What is Rangoli?

Rangoli is a Hindu traditional or folk art, which is generally drawn or created on the floor on some festive occasions. This ancient art of colours is believed to be originated from the Indian state Maharashtra, from where it get gradually dispersed in the rest of the country. Rangoli is one of the most beautiful and most pleasing art forms of Hindus, is comprised of two words, 'rang' meaning 'color' and 'aavalli' meaning colored creepers' or 'row of colors'. Rangoli basically comprises of the art of making designs or patterns on the walls or the floor of the house, using finely ground white powder along with different colors. Numerous households in the Indian subcontinent make use of Rangoli designs for decorating the courtyard of their house.

As the world grew with drastic changes, this tradition has changes too. Present day Rangoli are totally different from what it is introduced. Stencil is already a method of making rangoli. It is also followed by the countries that brought up this tradition. This causes from the daily activities of human which is chasing money. To make the process easier, the mould is placed on a surface and the colour are spread all over. As the latest method of a Rangoli, stickers are found. This method is much easier than the stencil. The sticker are can be easily found at shops. So now, the use of coloured powder, rice flour and the other basic materials are still had been decreased, not totally vanished, because in certain part of the country, the old tradition are preferred to be applied.

The question is… Can Rangoli displayed on floors or surfaces by using projection devices?

Preliminary Data

A previous research of Rangoli were carried out, it was a discussion on how rangoli reflect in South Asia. The researcher is some unknown students from a medical background (researcher’s name not stated). The research and survey done actually not about the rangoli, it was about the community, culture and health. Discussion for the research was, what activity might get women to interact each other. In the progress of this research, rangoli making activity were held by the medical students. Interactive between participants were mainly noted. Other than that, the research is to explore that rangoli as a healthy activity in life. Here, it is clear that the research mainly done for the community and health.

No other researches were done on rangoli. This might due to the depth of the rangoli and the uncompleted history of it.

Experimental Design and Method

Research for the alternative starts with experimentation. As the idea of alternative. A frame is needed to place it on the spot light. Next, experiment started by making frames in 22.3cm x 22.3cm size.

Image 1

For the screen platform, a plastic transparent cover sheet are attached on the frame. This type of sheet are for light penetration. For a clear projection, transparent cover sheet is the best material other than the Perspex.

Image 2. Transparent cover sheet

Image 3

To make a detailed design of rangoli on the cover sheet, few materials and tools are examined either a mark making tool or any other material such as coloured paper. A plastic transparent coloured paper is not perfect for the projection. Mark making tools such as coloured marker pens experimented on transparent cover sheet. The texture and imbalanced marks of the ink is not suitable for the display process.

Image 4. (Experimentation)

Image 5.(Result)

For the last experimentation, coloured plastic wrapping papers were examined for the rangoli colours. This thin plastic sheet is too sensitive and turns to soft when glued on the plastic cover sheet.

Image 6. Coloured transparent wrapping paper.

Image 7

Image 8. (Experimentation)

Image 9

Image 10. (Result)

This transparent wrapping papers is not a perfect material too. It becomes very soft after applying glue or any liquid substances.

Conclusion

After a thorough experimentation, projection method of a Rangoli is not a perfect way to display Rangoli. The sticker and the stencil methods are the other alternative way to make a Rangoli. Other than these methods, rangoli are not perfect to be displayed by projection method. This experimentation faces failure due to the material that need to be transmitted as colour. The basic materials are the best way to make a Rangoli design. Other than that, stickers and the stencil methods are the best alternative for the rangoli. In future, the rangoli tradition might exist or might not. This might be the reason of no other researchers explore on other alternative ways of rangoli.

References

Webpages:

1. Madhuri, m. (2010) D’source: rangoli. Bombay. [Online] Available from: http://www.dsource.in/resource/rangoli/materials-used-for-making-rangolis/index.html [Accessed 8 September 2014]

2. (2012) Cultural india: indian art: rangoli. [Online] Available from: http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-art/rangoli/index.html [Accessed 8 September 2014]

(2013) Jolly events : rangoli-5 must know facts. [Online] Available from: http://jollyeventz.com/blog/5-must-know-facts-about-rangoli/ [Accessed 10 September 2014]

Suresh, G.(2007) Secrets behind rangoli-traditional indian art. India. [Online] Available from: http://sureshg.wordpress.com/2007/05/17/secrets-behind-rangoli-%E2%80%93-traditional-indian-art/ [Accessed 10 September 2014]

Images:

Figure 1:

Rangoli made of flowers [Online]

Available from: http://easyday.snydle.com/files/2013/01/floral-rangoli-patterns.jpg

Figure 2:

Rangoli made of flowers [Online]

Available from: http://cdn2.stylecraze.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/10-320x240.jpg

Figure 3:

Rangoli made of rice powder. [Online] Available from: http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b8/65/a1/b865a1fd8c0e093dec91260b6e0e920e.jpg

Figure 4:

Rangoli made of rice powder. [Online] Available from: http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/sites/default/files/images/simple-rangoli.jpg