Exploring materiality in craft: Translating techniques of make-up and costume design in Kathakali and Khon in jewellery making

OVERVIEW

This practice-based research adapts Kathakali and Khon make-up and costume design methodologies for jewellery making to study classical performing arts materiality. The researcher creates Kathakali and Khon-inspired jewellery in this practice-based study. An iterative design and fabrication process investigates the cultural significance of these classic performing arts’ materials and design elements in jewellery design. By experimenting with materials, methods, and design, the researcher creates unique jewellery that embodies these classic art forms. Classical art can inspire new and imaginative work, and the project fosters cross-cultural communication and cooperation. The study also shows how classic art forms can be reinvented in fascinating ways. This effort seeks to increase our awareness of traditional art forms’ symbolic and historical importance and how they might inspire creativity. The purpose of this project is to bridge the gap between Kathakali and Khon’s sensational and current jewellery design.

Keywords:

• Materiality
• Kathakali
• Khon
• contemporary jewellery
• creative process
• cross-cultural study

Acknowledgements

The author grateful to acknowledges the support of her supervisor, Dr Pithamber Rao Polsani from Srishti Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Bangalore, India.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Patcharabhorn Lueraj

Patcharabhorn Lueraj is a PhD scholar in design and contemporary jewellery practice from Srishti Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Bangalore, India. She also works as an instructor in the School of Architecture and Fine Art at the University of Phayao. Her research interests include practise-based research in contemporary jewellery, art textiles, and craft practice. The author received financing for their doctoral study from the University of Phayao, Thailand.