CONTRIBUTION OF DESIGN PIONEERS (CRAFTSMAN/ARTISANS) IN BUILDING THE VISUAL CULTURE

Abstract

Visual art has been an integral part of the human ecosystem even before the existence of graphic design. In our age, where
digital design is at its peak. The main role of a graphic designer is to do promotional content. All being the need of the time
and a medium of communication. The core is communication. The paper seeks to explore the idea of visual art before the times of graphic design.
The paper will emphasize in describing the importance of old designers (artisans) in creating the functional designs, as design was art and the
oldest traces of art can only be found at holy places (here temples and monasteries). The study will explore the roots of graphic design in reference
to the visual culture carved in wooden gateways of temples in district Kinnaur.
The research was executed in five key areas of the district Kinnaur.
Ÿ Reckong Peo
Ÿ Kalpa
Ÿ Roghi
Ÿ Sangla
Ÿ Chitkul
As these areas have the temples and monasteries that holds a strong visual culture in terms of wood carving, murals and metal work. The whole
paper is a manifestation of a small idea which seeks to connect the dots between the graphic designers and old story tellers who used craft as a
medium of communication.