[1]More than 60 artisans are showcasing their exquisite collections at Shilpkala Utsav being held at the Aga Khan Hall. The two-day long crafts extravaganza, which has been revived after seven years, is an attempt to promote and empower unexposed women artisans from villages and remote areas.
Artists from Tihar Jail and students from Jamia Millia Islamia University are also participating in the fair that highlights the revival of traditional arts like kalamkari, narrative patashilpa, thewa jewellery, lacquered wooden toys, blue pottery etc.
While some of the artists are national or state awardees some are participating for the first time. Soma Lata, who is exhibiting her imitation jewellery for the first time, is now planning to show her work in other states also. “I learnt jewellery making as a hobby and had never expected to make an earning from it,” says Soma.
Apart from craft work like polystone crafts, jute paintings, dhokra art, terracotta art, batik embroidery, kantha embroidery, Kashmiri embroidery and Rajasthani kathputli, some added attractions include performances by folk dancers and mehndi artisans who are students of AIWC community college and inmates of Bapnu Ghar, AIWC’s short-stay home.
The Utsav has been organised by All India Women’s Conference. AIWC president Bina Jain says, “The fair is an initiative to eliminate middleman for these artisans. Some of the artisans who got this platform are now well-established and going places,” she says.
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/blue-p1jpg-678