L: The Rooftop Mobile App R: A Pichwai pianting  L: Rooftop R: Fine Art America
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How A Homegrown Mobile App Aims To Revive Traditional Indian Art

Vaaswat Sarkar

Whether you are disgruntled by the fact or revel in it, there's no denying that smartphones have become the centers of our little worlds. The little killer machine in our pocket has made or is in the process of making so many things extinct. Have you wondered what happened to your Walkman or your compass? Or why do so many fewer people wear wristwatches these days or hang calendars on the walls of their living rooms? Where is your bulky and loud bedside alarm clock or that Casio calculator that aided you in all those tedious accountancy classes? Conventional utilitarian objects have now all been condensed into a powerful little smartphone.

Ever since the pandemic our dependence on the smartphone has increased tenfold. In this fast technology-driven world, how has the realm of art been affected? We saw the rising popularity of NFTs that have made the lives of digitally proficient artists so much easier. Through NFTs, we also have access to more forms of art, and they have changed the whole perspective of “owning” a piece of original artwork. The pandemic has further intensified the digital divide between modern consumers and conventional providers of art. Few go to museums or art galleries these days and would much prefer to view an original MF Hussain or Rembrandt painting conveniently on their smartphone from the comfort of their homes.

In such a technology-dominated world, are we being severed from the natural process of enjoying art? Can technology ever simulate the aesthetic enjoyment of viewing art in galleries or museums? These are questions worth pondering but in some cases, technology has made art more accessible to the masses. One such case is the Rooftop application, developed in 2021. In the midst of the initial COVID-19 lockdown, Mr. Kartik Gaggar, the founder and CEO of the app, found inspiration for the Rooftop App. As the owner of 'Rajasthan Studio,' which provided on-site art experiences, he faced a halt in operations due to the pandemic restrictions. It was during this challenging time that the idea struck him - a virtual platform that could bring the beauty of Indian art forms directly to people's homes, allowing them to immerse themselves in the art at their own pace and convenience. This was how the vision for the Rooftop App was born.

In a world where India’s rich indigenous art forms are getting increasingly forgotten, Rooftop, the groundbreaking marketplace app revolutionizes the world of traditional Indian art forms. With a vibrant community-driven approach, Rooftop connects artisans and art lovers from around the globe, making these captivating art forms accessible to all. This dynamic mobile application serves as a comprehensive hub, catering to every art enthusiast's needs and bridging the gap between talented Indian artisans and passionate individuals worldwide.

Rooftop's innovative platform not only empowers art instructors financially but also guides their artistic talents towards a modern and digitally-driven path. By curating a wide range of art and recreational activities rooted in traditional practices, this pioneering art technology company offers a unique gateway into the rich tapestry of Indian art. From paintings to pottery, dance to music, Rooftop serves as a centralized destination for all art experiences.

The App goes beyond mere exploration, acting as a catalyst for cultural immersion. It brings together diverse art forms under one roof, ensuring that anyone, regardless of their background, can easily engage with and appreciate Indian art. Rooftop goes the extra mile by tailoring art consumption to individual preferences, delivering curated experiences that dispel the notion that art is exclusive to a select few. With Rooftop, the world of Indian art is at your fingertips, ready to captivate, inspire, and unite art enthusiasts from every corner of the globe.

Since its inception, Rooftop has cultivated a vibrant community of over 3,000 dedicated artists, including esteemed maestro artists like Mr. Raja Ram Sharma, Mr. Kalyan Joshi, and Mr. Venkat Raman Singh Shyam, hailing from nearly 180 towns across India. These talented individuals offer art workshops catering to beginners, intermediate, and advanced levels of expertise. With a growing presence in over 20 countries, the app has attracted more than 42,800 members who enthusiastically partake in over 2,000 art experiences available on the platform. Currently, Rooftop showcases 5 captivating traditional Indian art forms, such as Pichwai, Phad, Warli, Gond, Bhil, and Mata Ni Pachedi, with plans to introduce 5 more within the next few months.

What sets Rooftop apart is its unwavering commitment to preserving the authenticity of traditional art. Whether it's folk art courses like Pichwai painting or Gond painting, the app ensures that the original art forms, colors, and motifs remain unaltered. To cater to a wider audience, the courses are thoughtfully packaged in both Hindi and English, eliminating language barriers and making them accessible to all.

Recognizing the increasing demand for virtual activities, Rooftop has extended its expertise beyond the realm of only individuals and ventured into collaborations with corporates and businesses. The brand has partnered with renowned entities like Google, Genpact, Bain Capital, and others, leveraging its curation prowess to provide tailored experiences. In addition to virtual engagements, Rooftop has successfully organized in-person workshops for prominent companies such as Carrier Technologies and KOIS Invest, surpassing the limitations of the digital realm.

The Rooftop app is available as a seamless experience for both Android and ios users. Learning art has never been more fun and so convenient before. What are you waiting for? Download the app now and delve into the unparalleled beauty of Indian art.

You can download the app from their official website.

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