They vie to win

SUPERBLY CRAFTED exhibits, many of them masterpieces in craftsmanship and representative of the best in South Indian craft traditions vie for attention at a special exhibition cum sale currently on at the Victoria Technical Institute, 765, Anna Salai. The craft exhibits are entries for the 32nd Mahatma Gandhi Birth Centenary Memorial Awards instituted by VTI to promote and encourage South Indian crafts. They hold a mirror to a living tradition of both innovative and traditional crafts of the region.

There are some incredible works of art and craft on display at the exhibition. An exquisite miniature sandalwood carving of Venugopal standing under a stunningly sculpted tree is breathtaking in its craftsmanship, with each minute detail painstakingly etched. Equally stunning in its delicate, exquisite craftsmanship is a micro rice carving piece `Sita Kalyanam'. Such craft pieces are indeed a national treasure.

Beautifully executed Kalamkari pieces with a harmonious blend of colour, form and concept compel attention. The bronze icons are again representative of the highest standards of the craft done on shastric principles. Also among the entries are a large number of Thanjavur paintings, many of them exhibiting a pleasing purity of line, concept, and artistic discipline executed within the innate jewel like flamboyance of this craft genre. Among the many entries are rosewood inlay pieces as well, which include furniture, wall hangings, icons and so on. While some of the rosewood inlay pieces are dense and baroque many are outstanding in their harmonious composition of design and colour. A wall hanging depicting a field of poppies is particularly pleasing.

Compelling, large-sized granite, sandalwood and rosewood Ganeshas catch the eye with their sculpted strength and fluidity. Superbly executed examples of cutwork and European convent embroidery can also be seen among the exhibits. As usual, this year too the annual Mahatma Gandhi Birth Centenary Memorial Awards has attracted a large number of water colours and oil paintings, some of them quite eye-catching.

Those interested in purchasing any of the craft items can book in advance with a token payment. The exhibition will be open till October 2 (Gandhi Jayanthi) to enable the jury to pick out the winners, after which all the entries will again be showcased at VTI.

PUSHPA CHARI

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