Synopsis
Table of Contents
A Bengaluru-Based Engineer’s Reel Highlights the Tension Between Tradition and Technology
Dhruv Dhody, a Bengaluru-based engineer, has sparked a heated online debate with his AI-generated images celebrating Indian painting styles.
Critics Accuse the Post of Cultural Appropriation
- Some users felt that the post was disrespectful and insensitive to the cultural heritage of India’s traditional painting styles.
- A commenter from an NGO supporting Indian traditional arts mentioned that such art forms are under threat of extinction if AI filters appropriate their style without giving recognition to the original creators.
The Reel Featured 14 Iconic Indian Painting Traditions
- Warli
- Pichwai
- Gond
- Mughal miniatures
These styles were reimagined using artificial intelligence to highlight their artistic richness and make people pause and appreciate the beauty of India through a contemporary digital lens.
But Not Everyone is Vibing with the Vision
Dhody responded to criticism with a calm but pointed counterpoint, saying that AI is a reality and should be used as a tool to spark more interest in Indian art.
While many praised the post for its informative and visually stunning execution, others criticized the use of AI to replicate and reinterpret culturally sensitive styles.
Art Meets Algorithm
| Warli | Gold-leafed elegance |
| Pichwai | Satirical strokes |
| Gond | Narrative vibrancy |
| Mughal miniatures | Gold-leafed elegance |
The featured art styles were a curated palette that included everything from the gold-leafed elegance of Thanjavur to the satirical strokes of Kalighat, and even the narrative vibrancy of Phad and Pattachitra.
A Technologist’s Canvas
Dhody is no stranger to complex systems, having worked with Huawei for over two decades and holding global credentials from the Internet Engineering Task Force. His creative side often makes surprising appearances, evident from his love for sarees, photography, and now digital art.
His attempt to spotlight Indian art through an AI canvas may have hit a nerve, but it also started an important conversation.
So, What’s Next?
The bigger question looms: Can technology help preserve traditional art, or will it simply repackage it for digital consumption? Is AI a brushstroke too far—or just the newest tool in a modern artist’s kit? One thing’s clear—Dhruv Dhody didn’t just post a reel. He sparked a debate, one that may end up reshaping how we perceive, protect, and project our artistic heritage in the AI age.