Chitra Kala

Chitra Kala translates to “the art of visuals”. This is a digital archive that comprises of advertisements that were designed from the 1950’s up until the 90’s in India. These were a result of the Swadeshi Movement that happened during the fight for freedom, encouraging the nation to use locally made products. This unknowingly paved a way for India to become a country rich in graphic design. However, this seems to be lost in the pile of information we have as designers online and so Chitrakala serves as a platform that portrays India’s vibrant visuals. My aim here was to provide knowledge about graphic design through the lens of these advertisements and in doing so providing inspiration and the history of design that isn’t solely from the west.