India’s only daily art newspaper
In the heartland of Karnataka, lies an exquisite craft called Lambani embroidery. It is also known as Sandur Lambani embroidery, is an art form practised by the Lambani tribe, custodians of this enchanting tradition. With its roots tracing back to the 16th century when the Lambani tribe migrated from Rajasthan to Karnataka, this embroidery has […]
Threaded Works of Art: The Case of Lambani Embroidery from Karnataka Read More »
In the picturesque valleys of Kashmir, an ancient craft teeters on the edge of extinction. The Kashmiri copperware industry, once vibrant and thriving, now faces the overwhelming dominance of machine-made products. However, amidst this gloom, one artisan stands tall, Mohammad Aslam Bhat, who has taken it upon himself to revive this fading art form. Through
The tradition of papier mache has had a long cultural lineage, and its history is linked with the formation of ethnic and religious identities in Kashmir. The beginning of the craft of papier mache is closely associated with the advent of Islam in Kashmir. Islam came to Kashmir in gradual significant phases, and spread mostly
The Almost Lost Tradition of Kashmir’s papier mache art Read More »
In the Sarguja district of Chhattisgarh, the Rajwars, a farming community, dabble in a unique and traditional art form known as Painted Clay Relief. This art form is primarily practised by the women of the community and holds great significance in their culture. The Rajwars are primarily Hindu and follow the rituals and customs associated
Clay Creations of Chhattisgarh: Community Art of The Rajwars Read More »
Kotpad, a small village nestled in the picturesque state of Odisha, holds a weaving tradition that is both captivating and vanishing with the passage of time. The artistry of Kotpad weaving, passed down through generations, embodies a softer, more artistic lens of the world. Weaver’s Homes at Kotpad Within the weavers’ abodes, a long corridor
The Red Thread: Tale of of Kotpad Weaving in Odisha Read More »
“In a highly productive nation, the ornament is no longer a natural product of its culture, and therefore represents backwardness or even a degenerative tendency.” (Loos, 1970). These are the words of Adolf Loos, a modernist architect from Vienna. He wrote this piece called ‘The Ornament and Crime’ in 1910 when the Art Nouveau moment
Redefining the Meaning of ‘Ornamentation’ in Architecture through the Indian Context Read More »
George Nakashima, the revered Japanese-American woodworker and furniture designer, left an indelible mark on India’s architecture and furniture design. From his tranquil sojourn at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, where he embraced the name Sunder Nanda, to his collaboration with Antonin Raymond on the iconic Golconde dormitory, Nakashima’s influence was profound. He even developed
Ingenious Collaboration: Nakashima and National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad Read More »
Golconde, the iconic dormitory constructed by architects George Nakashima and Antonin Raymond, stands as a brilliant example of India’s architectural evolution, representing the country’s first foray into the realm of modernist design. Completed in 1945, this remarkable structure is nestled within the serene confines of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, India. With its origins
Golconde: A Modernist Marvel in Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry Read More »
Smriti Malhotra Jasleen Dhamija, was a highly esteemed historian and a revered champion of traditional Indian crafts, has left an indelible mark on the preservation and promotion of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Through her extensive research, significant policy contributions, and unwavering dedication, she has become a beacon, illuminating the narrative surrounding Indian textiles and
A Historian’s Tale: The Life of Jasleen Dhamija in Indian Textiles and Other Traditions Read More »
Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, an often overlooked and forgotten figure, was far more than a mere sum of her achievements. Widely recognised as the driving force behind the revival of India’s diverse craft traditions and a staunch advocate for “tribal art” after independence, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay’s influence extended beyond her expertise in Indian handicrafts. She played a significant
A Craft Catalyst, Life of Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay Read More »