The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
Kerala mural paintings are a distinct school of art that flourished between the 16th and 18th centuries. Found primarily on the walls of temples and palaces, this tradition is deeply rooted in Dravidian art and draws stylistic inspiration from traditional performing arts like Kathakali and Koodiyattam.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. Kerala murals are not characterized by dull or muted colours. Instead, they are known for their vibrant and luminous appearance. The artists strictly adhere to the Pancha-varna (five-colour) scheme, utilizing red ochre, yellow ochre, green, black, and white derived from natural mineral and vegetable sources.
- Statement 2 is Correct. A unique feature of Kerala murals is the representation of human figures with a strong sense of three-dimensionality. Unlike the flat, linear style of many other regional schools, these murals depict figures with rounded contours and mass.
- Statement 3 is Correct. The technique involves an elaborate use of colour to create volume. Artists achieve this three-dimensional effect through tonal gradation and shading (stippling or washing), where colours are applied to suggest depth and muscularity, giving the figures a sculptural quality.
Key Takeaway:
Kerala murals are defined by the use of the Pancha-varna palette (bright natural colours) and a specific shading technique that imparts volume and three-dimensionality to the figures, distinguishing them from flatter mural styles.