Singapore artists modernise traditional rangoli for younger generations

Artists in Singapore are adapting the traditional craft of rangoli, an Indian art form involving colourful floor designs, to keep the practice relevant for younger people.

Vijaya Mohan, a 67-year-old artist, uses diverse materials and technology to preserve the craft. While rangoli traditionally uses powder to create patterns for the festival of Deepavali, Mohan creates designs on acrylic sheets and boards so they can be framed and displayed longer.

She also incorporates digital elements, such as interactive projections and phone-based designs, to engage a generation more familiar with screens. Mohan founded Singa Rangoli in 2015 to give the tradition a local identity and currently leads a team of 35 artists. Other practitioners, such as Sudha Ravi and her daughter Rakshita Ravi, also blend traditional techniques with modern aesthetics like glitter accents. They produce commissioned works for retail brands and banks while volunteering at temples and community centers.

Rakshita Ravi uses an iPad to experiment with new patterns, balancing her studies with the time-intensive preparation required for handmade rangoli. The artists face challenges such as rising material costs and corporate clients who seek large designs on limited budgets. Despite these hurdles, the practitioners focus on passing the skill to the next generation.

They aim to ensure that even as tools and techniques change, the cultural connection and the joy of creating handmade art remain part of the community's heritage.