What is Mural?

The word ‘mural’ is derived from Latin word ‘murus’ which means wall, so Mural Artwork is another name for Wall Artwork. Mural is basically a world class painting that is done on wall surface or any solid surface, either on ceiling or side walls. Mural can be done as a painting or it can be depicted through several clay model or other metals such as bronze. It’s a combination of architectural material used within the painting to creating the extra finish and style to it. Mural is a unique combination of realism with dramatic sense and imagination. Now-a-days Mural Artwork has become an inevitable part of several high end interiors at posh places.

History of Murals

History says traces of Mural Artwork have been found in caves in Southern France during Paleolithic Age in 3000 BC. Traces of Mural Artwork have been even found in hieroglyphic tomb of Egypt. In India traces of mural can be found in Ajanta caves. Initially murals were just painted on walls. Initially from prehistoric era murals existed in caves and now it has been depicted even on street walls. With time, Murals was also used for creating embossed paintings and wall decors. By the time Middle Ages have arrived, Murals were made using dry plasters. By the time Renaissance has dawned, in 14th century, Italian artists started to use wet plasters for Murals. During this period some of the world class mural artwork was created such as “The Last Supper”, “The Last Judgment” and “The Creation of Adam”.

Materials used for Murals

Murals are done on any hard surface; it can be plastered wall, stone, ceramic, wood, porcelain, metal tiles, glass and all these are installed on wall. Mosiac murals are very much in fashion and are used for homes. Murals can be installed in temples, churches, masjids, airports, shopping malls, home garden area or any place that are widely visible and has a wide angle. Mural has got huge political support during middle ages. Mexico has some of the world’s most renowned murals. Mural art have been promoted by many villages all over the world for economic survival.

Now-a-days home owners are also having a great interest for mural art for their living rooms. They are preferring warli wall mural art for an ethnic décor. In India such kind warli art is quiet famous.

Mural Artwork in India

India has rich asset of mural artwork since ancient era. The Ajanta caves are the initial days when Mural artwork has been got into India. The Kerala Mural paintings are great example of frescos that depict Hindu Mythology. In India Mural Artwork has been used to depict the political culture, subjects ranging from sex to religion. It has also been used for social- political critique. Mural Artwork is a three dimensional artwork. Except the Ajanta caves Mural artwork can also been seen in Bagh, Armamalai Cave (Tamil Nadu), Ravan Sittanavasal, Kailasanatha temple in Ellora Caves and Chhaya rock shelter.