The Madhubani Canvas
Deeva Thomas
Titled The Madhubani Canvas, my thesis has been a journey of my learnings and research into Madhubani Art, a traditional folk art from parts of North East India and Nepal. This is a highly intensive and laborious art style that resulted in creating a hand-coded website and a slip-knot stitched 8 x 11-inch book with interactive worksheets. This work is an homage to women who traditionally practice this artwork and an opportunity to amplify their voices.
The interactive story website allows users to engage with Madhubani art, understand its history, and create their folk-inspired work digitally. Its construction and visual identity system is derived from the handmade qualities of the craft and its time-intensive processes. It is a platform that educates, honors and connects.
By binding interactivity and artistic preservation, The Madhubani Canvas becomes more than just an archival project—it is a living space that will continue to inspire future generations within and outside the Madhubani community.