I was able to still witness one of the often most ignored art forms during childhood suddenly disappear or fade. This too, which has happened to artworks found in caves, to Egyptian hieroglyphics, were unsung artworks taken for granted, only to be appreciated over a large span of time.

Gone were the days when movie posters were individually hand painted, full of emotion or comedy or horror as it is depicted. These works of art spanned large dimensions harking on the crowd, heralding, ushering the masses to the theaters and watch another classic (or otherwise) unfold. These artworks were seen by many as nothing more than informational posters, informing more of the show than anything else.

What was not considered was the flattery on how thespians were depicted, what was not considered was the dedication of the artist, and his passion for his work, to interpret what he sees to what others should see.
 

These are paintings done well, nostalgic to those who wish to look back, drifting off the patron to the days gone where traffic was not as dense and life simpler lived. Life was in an easier pace, albeit does not have all the modern conveniences of computers and mobile phone perhaps (which are actually vital) but happy nonetheless.

Thespians were lovers of their art, and their artists, hundreds of them , create their own unique interpretation of what is to be broadcast. While it may be true that they all have a set picture to replicate, it is but interesting to note the subtleties imbibed in each of these posters, the eyes, the nose, the smile and the tension.

Artwork has taken an evolved form, brushing off the traditional in favor of the digital, yet it has not evolved, really, for artwork never evolves, it never improves, for it is, in its sense, the best of expression one has to impart. Art in itself is externalizing the beauty and emotion one feels within. One may, perfect his craft, but invariably, one is merely better understanding oneself, and better expressing accordingly.

I would have wanted to paint.

A movie poster, or that of a play, with the belle of the show, my heroine, expressing her sweet innocence through her smile that makesus all surrender to her blissful gait and pristine vocal tone. To see that expression put in canvas, as a gift presented to the actress, intricate with details of thought as every stroke carries its own color, a story painted in peach, gray, and blue.

There are places yet where the craft has not been eliminated, there are places where movies are drawn to the imagination of the viewer, staring at the melancholy of my innocent belle, who was once happy, a movie ago.

Image Contributed by Haresh Daswani

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