The world of art has been struggling with the introduction and effect of computers for a long time now. The ease of design and art programs now makes anyone an "artist" and has been pushing those who work traditionally to the wayside. This is apparent more so then anywhere in India, a country deeply struggling with old vs. new. Handpainted artists used to be tophat having their work grace everything from store fronts, giant theater marquees, delivery trucks, stop signs, etc. There was a gracefulness and exuberance of color that is now lost to sloppy, cheaply Photoshopped vinyl banners and digitized billboards.
Filmaker Hanif Kureshi has started a campaign called Handpainted Type to preserve this art by documenting and creating films on some of India's most skilled handpainted typographic practicioners throughout the country. Having traveled through India and having seen a lot of this dying art form I applaude this project but in a bit of an ironic twist a large part of this campaign is to also transfer these unique styles of typography into digital ttf fonts that people can than buy and use. Profits from sales will go to the artist in question. Its an odd way of promoting this art form but if it is helping supports these artists who would otherwise be out of work.... I support it.
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