“I would say Henna art is presently popular as adornment
for weddings and other cultural celebrations in India, South Asia, the
Middle East and Africa; pretty much across the world nowadays.“
Celeen Rama Chandran.
Art transforms our perception and challenges our thoughts; it alters the way we observe the world and our environment. It transports us to realms of imagination, evokes profound emotions, and instills a sense of wonder at the creativity displayed. One cannot help but ponder the identity of the creator behind such exquisite works. What thoughts and feelings must have inspired them during the creation of their craft, be it poetry, painting, sculpture, or photography? Art captivates us, leaving us in a state of breathlessness, and therein lies its true beauty.
Celeen Rama Chandran is a henna artist who is currently completing her pharmaceutical studies at Rhodes University.
From an early age, she was introduced to the art of henna, which she recalls being traditionally applied to brides and their families. “Henna is not strictly a religious or cultural practice; rather, it serves as a form of adornment to enhance one’s beauty,” Celeen remarked.
She noted that her late aunt significantly influenced her journey into henna artistry. Through this craft, Celeen developed a close bond with her aunt, cherishing the joyful moments they shared as her aunt encouraged her to experiment with various henna designs.
Can Art be a business?
In response to financial difficulties, Celeen began her henna business in 2016 and 2017 while attending the University of Witwatersrand. This initiative was aimed at alleviating the financial burden on her parents and providing her with a means of sustenance. Reflecting on this challenging period, she noted that her henna work enabled her to earn sufficient income to meet her daily needs. Although she did not initially perceive it as a formal business, she found that her customer base expanded steadily over time.
Celeen acknowledged the challenges she faced as a henna artist, particularly in persuading her parents to support her endeavor. They expressed concerns about her academic performance, which is a common parental worry. Nevertheless, after demonstrating her passion for henna as a hobby and successfully convincing her parents, they ultimately permitted her to pursue this venture while generating her income.
Life at Rhodes University as a henna artist.
At Rhodes University, Celeen observes that the audience is notably more receptive, which may explain her increased activity compared to the two years she spent at Wits. She has attracted a larger clientele and has benefited from a robust support network provided by her friends. “Without my friends, who have willingly assisted in marketing my business at no cost, I doubt I would have been able to establish henna as a viable business here at Rhodes University,” she remarked.
Celeen mentioned that she is not particularly active on social media, which could pose a challenge for her business. Nevertheless, she is pleasantly surprised by her ability to attract customers, largely due to her friends who promote her services.
One significant challenge she faces in her henna business is time management. As a full-time student, Celeen acknowledges the difficulties that arise. Additionally, as a final-year student, she is determined not to let her business interfere with her academic responsibilities. However, she believes that when one is passionate about a pursuit, time becomes less of a burden; one naturally finds opportunities to engage in it, whether on weekends or in the evenings after a long day of studying. “Balancing my studies with henna has become therapeutic for me, making time less of a concern,” Celeen stated.
The process of applying henna is not as daunting as it may appear, especially for those who have grown up with it, according to Celeen. Typically, it takes her around thirty minutes to complete a henna design, although this can vary based on the complexity of the design. “It is often beneficial when customers have a clear idea of what they want, but the joy lies in meeting individuals who are unfamiliar with henna and are curious to see how it will appear on their skin,” she explained.
Celeen has been pleasantly surprised by the enthusiastic reception of henna at Rhodes. She has encountered individuals from various backgrounds who are intrigued by the art form and eager to experience how it looks on their skin.
Through this enriching experience, Celeen reflects on the inherent beauty of henna. It serves as a medium for connection and expression.
Henna: Its History and Cultural Significance
The practice of Henna, known as Mehndi in Hindi and Urdu, has a rich history spanning over 5000 years across regions such as Pakistan, India, Africa, and the Middle East. Initially, it was valued for its natural cooling effects, particularly beneficial for individuals residing in arid desert environments. A paste was created, allowing for the soaking of the palms and soles. Additionally, Henna served medicinal purposes, being applied to alleviate various ailments including stomach pains, burns, headaches, and open wounds.
As the temporary staining properties of the paste were recognized—due to the presence of lawsone, a reddish-orange dye that adheres to the skin’s keratin—Henna evolved into a decorative art form, becoming accessible to individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
In contemporary times, Henna is predominantly utilized during celebratory events such as weddings and birthdays, fostering joyous gatherings. The Henna paste is emblematic of health and prosperity in marital unions, with some cultures believing that a darker stain signifies a deeper affection between partners.
It is important to note that Henna designs differ from tattoos; while tattoos are permanent due to ink penetrating the skin, Henna is a temporary dye that remains on the skin’s surface. Furthermore, Henna is also employed for the safe dyeing of hair, nails, and various fabrics, including silk, wool, and leather.