An eye-catching array
PUSHPA CHARI
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Two exhibitions, now on in the city, show a blend of tradition and innovation.
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Photo: R. Shivaji Rao
Fascinating variety: exquisitely carved wooden box and an array of saris on display at the exhibitions.
Adding value to two crafts exhibition, currently on in the city, are touches of ingenious innovation in product design and in melding of tribal craft skills with accessories. The saris have Madhubani, Kantha and tribal motifs. That traditional crafts are evolving into contemporary expressions can be seen in the range of Saharanpur woodcraft products showcased at Sri Sankara Hall, TTK Road, Alwarpet.
Alongside the usual array of heavily carved sofa sets and jaali screens are artefacts, trays, office organisers and so on, crafted in abstract swirls and curves.
Superbly crafted
Eye-catching in their beauty are Nettur type boxes. These come in various sizes, are painted in mellow, fused colours and have superbly crafted silver and gilt hinges. Bags, pouches, wall hangings, and jackets have Gujarat and Karnataka tribal embroidery, cowrie and mirror work.
There are whitewood icons, jewellery boxes, candle stands and other knickknacks at the Sri Sankara Craft Exhibition. State Awardee Venkat from Chittoor has brought a large body of his painted and carved wooden panels, wall hangings, icons and columns. The large panels feature stories from the epics. Equally colourful in another genre, are artist Lakshmi Devi’s Madhubani panels and wall hangings, most of which are bright with streaks of orange and banana green.
Gem paintings from Jaipur, Orissa’s famed Patachitra paintings and block printed textiles are some of the attractions at the Natural Art and Craft Exhibition along with terracotta pottery.
Puja items such as lovely jade Ganeshas, spatika lingams and rudraksha malas are handicrafted by the traditional craftperson, Aziz, from Tamil Nadu.
Perfect for summer
The Arts and Crafts Exposition in Anna Nagar, held under the auspices of ACE, gives an ethnic slant to designer wear. There are saris in cotton, mull, tussar, organdie and silk embellished with block prints, sequins, Madhubani, kantha and chikan work. The Santiniketan printed saris and tussar saris with vivid tribal motifs are a draw. The collection of saris, dupattas and kurtis showcased at the Arts and Crafts exposition is perfect for summer wear. Also on display are rare Sambalpuris from Orissa and matching jewellery and accessories.
The Arts and Crafts Exposition, on at Covenant Point (near Hot Chips) No. 2054-E 2nd Avenue, 12th and 13th Main Road, Anna Nagar, concludes on May 14. The Sri Sankara Crafts Fair goes on till May 30.
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