KOLAM.DAY

Draw kolam patterns everyday using a hybrid computational and human-drawing approach.

Kolam is a centuries old South-Indian folk art form. These are hand-drawn patterns made using a grid of dots (pulli) and are passed down through generations of Tamil women.

In this project, I demystify the underlying math logic behind Kambi (wire) Kolams by combining computational (graph algorithms) and human (N-line) drawing methods to appreciate the historical artform in a novel way. More details about the project can be found here in the proceedings of first Algorithmic Pattern Salon that took place in 2023.

Draw Kolams (go to www.kolam.day) by following the algorithm (or rules) illustrated in the accompanying zine below. It’s like solving a puzzle, enjoy!