Origins of Regional Art Painting:

Regional art is a form of visual art that reflects the culture, traditions, and environment of a specific geographic area. This form of art originated among the common people of a nation, region, or place where they would often creatively reflect their culture and traditions, covering everyday life and festivals, and was usually decorated or produced by unschooled artists. Moreover, painting traces its history back to prehistoric times, with artefacts and artworks created by prehistoric artists that span all cultures.

In many ancient civilisations, such as those in India, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China, art was deeply rooted in regional character. One example of regional art is the Madhubani art, which originated in India in the district of Madhubani in the Mithila region of Bihar. Legends say that this form of painting was requested by King Janak, the ruler of the Mithila region in the 8th or 7th century, to some artists to capture his daughter Sita's wedding to Prince Rama, the central figure of the epic Ramayana. These paintings often feature abstract geometric forms that carry deep symbolic meanings representing commitment, love, vitality, peace, and prosperity. Traditionally, they have been used to illustrate ceremonial themes, particularly during significant occasions such as births, weddings, and festivals. In the past, the colours used in these artworks were homemade and derived from natural sources such as bougainvillaea flowers, neem leaves, and henna. The extracted juice was mixed with resin and natural gum to help the pigments adhere to the surface. Today, while most colours are available in powdered form, black is still traditionally made by collecting soot from a diya (oil lamp) flame and blending it with gum for painting. Similarly, Navajo sand painting in the American Southwest was rooted in spiritual and healing rituals, showcasing the cultural and environmental essence of the region.

During the early 20th century, the concept of "regionalism" became formalised, especially in Western art discourse. In the United States, the American Regionalism movement emerged during the 1930s as a response to the Great Depression.

In other parts of the world, regional art has served as a means of preserving cultural identity amid the influences of colonialism and globalisation. For example, Mexican muralism led by Diego Rivera revived indigenous symbols and history as a form of national pride and resistance.

In Africa, traditional tribal art evolved into contemporary regional expressions, integrating old motifs with modern narratives. Regional art serves as a living testament to the cultural diversity, traditions, and local stories of communities worldwide. Rooted deeply in everyday life, rituals, and beliefs, it reflects the soul of a region—its history, values, and identity.