While agriculture is usually associated with food production, a progressive farmer in Kerala is giving it a creative spin. He is using a unique form of 3D art known as Tanbo Art, to create an image that holds great cultural significance – the Guruvayur Temple elephant, a celebrated figure that passed away in 1976. The interesting aspect of this endeavour is the use of indigenous varieties of rice to create this artistic depiction.
Exploring the Technique: Tanbo Art
Tanbo Art, often referred to as rice paddy art, originated from the small village of Inakadate in Japan approximately thirty years ago. The innovative farmers of the village wanted to add a touch of beauty to their otherwise simple paddy fields and began using it as a canvas for their artistic experiments. Armed with different coloured rice crops, they began to grow replicas of famous paintings. One such example is that of the iconic Mona Lisa, brought to life amidst the green paddy fields.
These artworks are not just confined to the boundaries of a canvas but span across vast fields, visible in their full glory from a higher altitude. By manipulating the natural colours of rice plants, these farmers can create complex and breathtaking masterpieces.
The Choice of Medium: Indigenous Varieties of Rice
As surreal as it sounds, the main ingredient of this grand spectacle is rice. Our farmer from Kerala took this art form, combined it with his knowledge about various local rice varieties and came up with his masterpiece. Several indigenous varieties of rice such as Krishna Kamod, Gandhakasala, and Jeerakasala were used to give shape to the image of the Guruvayur Temple elephant. Each variety contributes distinct shades of green that add depth and dimension to the design.
Facts about Tanbo Art
| Origin | Inakadate, Japan |
| Age | Approximately 30 years old |
| Main Ingredient | Different varieties of rice plants |
| Popular Replicas | Mona Lisa and Other Famous Paintings |
| Innovation in India | Used to Depict Guruvayur Temple Elephant in Kerala |
A Tribute to an Icon: The Guruvayur Temple Elephant
The digital age remembers heroes and icons with images, hashtags, and virtual memorials. But the Kerala farmer took a more organic approach, using his fields to create a tribute to a beloved cultural icon – Guruvayur Temple elephant. This revered temple elephant was a symbol of peace and prosperity for the people of Kerala and its image immortalised in the green paddy fields serves as reminder of its contribution to the community’s cultural heritage.
This adaptability and incorporation of local elements in Tanbo Art demonstrate its scope and versatility. It is not just a form of art but also a testament to the artist’s deep connection with nature and their cultural roots. This also underlines the potential and possibility within agriculture, turning fields into canvases that represent the rich tapestry of human creativity and tradition.