Guest post by Shruthi Vembar. GSA-Art features the creative works of scientists. Read more in GSA President Stan Fields’ call for submissions. If you would like to submit your own work or nominate someone else’s, please send an email to GenesToGenomes@genetics-gsa.org with “GSA-Art” in the subject line.
Madhubani painting, also known as Mithila painting, is an art form that originated in Northern India, in the border between Nepal and the state of Bihar. Not much is known about the lineage of this centuries-old art tradition except that it was a domestic ritual practiced by women, for example on the walls of their homes, and was highly individualized. Although commercialization led to the over-simplification and repetition of select themes, contemporary Madhubani painters, especially local artists from Bihar, still remain true to the distinct aesthetics of this art form while incorporating contemporary and socially charged themes such as women’s empowerment and social transformation.
I started Madhubani painting six years ago, when I took a break in Bangalore between my PhD and postdoc. I use handmade paper and drawing ink to paint Madhubani pictures. My first encounter with this art form was when I created “Kalinga mardana”.
“Kalinga Mardana”
The richness of color, design and symbolism had me hooked and I kept going back for more—this resulted in paintings such as “Ardhanaareeshwara”, “Resplendence” and “Of men and birds”. The repetitive, geometric patterns coupled with the construction of a unifying narrative make the process of creating these paintings meditative and highly rewarding. In fact, I find that the creative process I use for painting complements the scientific thinking process and helps me to bring innovation and originality into my research.
“Of men and birds”
I have now painted several Madhubani pictures and given them as gifts to my family and friends on special occasions. For instance, “Woman and pot” and “Vibrant Peacock” were gifts to my friends for their 40th and 30th birthdays, respectively, while “Palanquin bearers” and “Raasleela” were wedding gifts.
In Henri Moore’s words, “The creative habit is like a drug. The particular obsession changes, but the excitement, the thrill of your creation lasts.” I feel truly grateful for my two great obsessions, Madhubani art and science, and cannot imagine my life without them.
“Patterns”
“Ardhanaareeshwara”
“Resplendence”
“Raasleela”
“Woman and pot”
“Vibrant peacock”
“Peacock”
Guest posts are contributed by members of our community. The views expressed in guest posts are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily endorsed by the Genetics Society of America. If you'd like to write a guest post, e-mail communications@genetics-gsa.org.
View all posts by Guest Author »Read more in
-
In Memoriam: Ellsworth Herman Grell (1932–2023), a pioneer of Drosophila genome engineering and annotation
Ellsworth (Ed) Grell blessed the Drosophila community through three enduring legacies: as a pioneer of chromosome mechanics, as a primary organizer and synthesizer of genetic knowledge in Drosophila, and as a graceful mentor to those fortunate to have known him personally. Ed grew up in rural Nebraska, completed his undergraduate studies at Iowa State, and…
-
Congratulations to the #Fungal24 Poster Award winners!
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the GSA Poster Awards for posters presented at the 32nd Fungal Genetics Conference! Undergraduate and graduate student members of GSA were eligible for the awards, and a hard-working team of judges made the determinations. Congratulations to all! Felicia Ebot Ojong, The University of Georgia My research is focused…
-
Poster presentation tips for TAGC 2024
You’ve been selected to present a poster at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March—you’ve celebrated, made plans to attend, now what? This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your research and engage with fellow members of the genetics community, so you want to make sure you’re prepared. We wanted to offer you some tips…
-
Maximize your TAGC 2024 experience
A guide to all that National Harbor & DC have to offer Are you joining us for The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March? Make the most of your #TAGC24 experience in National Harbor! We know the science will keep you busy, but you deserve to unwind and have some fun, so we’ve curated a…
-
Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Sarah Petrosky
We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Sarah PetroskyMultimedia SubcommitteeUniversity of Pittsburgh Research Interest I am interested in understanding adaptation that has been happening recently in populations by dissecting the ways that genes underlying an adaptation…
-
TAGC 2024 Early Career Award Winners
GSA is pleased to announce the winners of the early career awards presented at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024. These awards are specific to particular TAGC communities and recognize early career scientists’ outstanding work on their respective research organisms. The awardees will present their talks in keynote sessions at TAGC 2024. Don’t miss the opportunity…
-
Preeminent geneticists recognized with revamped GSA Awards
In 2022, GSA’s Board of Directors launched an audit to review the five major awards conferred by the Society. Today, we are thrilled to announce the recipients of the reimagined GSA Awards, including the new Genetics Society of America Early Career Medal. The scientists honored this year are recognized by their peers for their outstanding…
-
Fly Board funds outreach programs to spread the word about Drosophila research
In 2020, the Fly Board voted to use part of its reserve fund to support efforts to increase trainee participation as well as equity and diversity in the Drosophila community. An awards committee decides how the money will be spent each year, and from 2020–2022, the committee posted a very broad call for applications from…
-
New members of the GSA Board of Directors: 2024–2026
We are pleased to announce the election of four new leaders to the GSA Board of Directors: 2024 Vice President/2025 President Brenda Andrews Professor, University of Toronto It’s an honor to continue my association with the Society by serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors. I have broad knowledge of the ongoing activities…
-
Parrot plumage study aids breeders and endangered natural populations
Yellow coloration is maladaptive in the wild but prized by breeders. People have long been fascinated with birds, which exhibit one of the widest ranges of coloration among vertebrates. Parrots, in particular, have captivated humans by their ability to mimic human speech and spectacular plumage. Brightly colored feathers are used primarily to attract mates, intimidate…
-
Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Sarah Gilmour
We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Sarah GilmourMultimedia SubcommitteeStowers Institute for Medical Research Research Interest Questions of evolution have always fascinated me. I am extremely fortunate to be starting out my research career in a…