Seasons and the weather are believed to play an integral role in setting and shifting the mood of a person. Sunshine can make some happy and jovial, while the scorching heat can be miserable for those working tirelessly under the sun. The gloomy, grey skies inundating the United Kingdom for the majority of the year are considered the root cause for Britons often being grumpy, while spring brings forth hope and promise.
A common cliche seen in cinema is a couple getting cozy and sharing an umbrella amidst a downpour, passionate lovers uniting in the rain. This trend continues from cult classics such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s to newer films such as The Notebook, Spiderman and even the much-loved Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Movies often feature the rain as a backdrop for a romantic, theatric climax or a sensual dance—the most popular, symbolic visual trope in Bollywood films being the leading lady in a white saree.
But the rain can stir a cornucopia of emotions, which artists have channelised in art, cinema and even music and dance. The English romantic, J.M.W. Turner’s, ‘Rain, steam and speed’ depicts a hazy, blurry train, cruising amidst a heavy downpou—there is drama, adventure, adrenaline and chaos. Claude Monet’s, ‘Morning on the Seine in Rain’ sets a calm, soft, gentle and nostalgic mood, capturing the essence of the moment rather than the rain itself. Featuring a reflection of weeping willow trees on the river, the landscape is softened, the light defused, and an interplay of blue, green and yellow shades prevails.
In Indian classical music, monsoon is celebrated with a number of ‘Raags’. Each setting the tone for the season in its own unique manner; it is also a testament to the importance of monsoon for agriculture and livelihood. ‘Raag Megh’ for example, evokes a mood of anticipation and wait, the skies are getting dark, grey and ‘Megh’ or the clouds are opening up, inviting Lord Indra, the god of weather.
‘Raag Miyan Ki Malhar’, meanwhile, is the aftermath of Megh—the powerful, bold, torrential downpour. It is a reminder that nature is the one in control, and not the humans.
In contrast, Raag Desh is light-hearted, filled with love and nostalgia, setting the backdrop for that cliche romantic scene of lovers uniting.
It is the foundation of these Raag’s that inspires new age music, sets the stage for dance and theatre and also leads to the creation of splendid works of art.
In miniature painting, Raag Megh is one of the common themes of the Raag Mala painting series, as well as the Baramasa, a compilation of the twelve months and seasons. A lyrical depiction of swirling clouds, lightning and thunder, dancing peacocks and Radha and Krishna taking shelter under the canopy of a tree. There is romance and sensuality.
But miniature art also depicts Krishna lifting the Govardhan ‘Parvat’ or mountain, protecting the residents of Vrindavan from the wrath of rain. Dark, grey clouds engulf the sky; there is fear among the people from the power and force of nature.
The traditional Morakuti pichavais of Nathdwara are yet another celebration of monsoon, depicting peacocks dancing in delight, fanning their feathers in pride.
Drawing inspiration from these traditional scrolls, made from natural, mineral pigments is Vikram Goyal’s, ‘Monsoon Pichvai.’ An ode to the artisans and a celebration of Shreenathji, the glistening piece is handcrafted in his signature brass repoussé technique and inlaid with malachite, lapis lazuli, amethyst and abalone.
Today, Monsoon in India comes with its own set of challenges. Flooded roads, appalling potholes, delayed public transportation, traffic jams and of course the flu. S.H. Raza’s ‘Flora Fountain in Monsoon’ beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Bombay during the rains. Nature's omnipotence and the resilience of the people to find a sense of calm within the chaos.
The magic of monsoon is certainly multilayered.
Can artists romanticise the rain or find a reason to dance and skip?
I do so wonder.