Artistic terracotta murals, vases and bowls with twirls of poetry, along with beautiful dhokra work pieces from Odisha, and other exhibits set the tone for festive gift shopping at two exhibitions on in the city. Rajarunnodayan, sculptor from Karaikudi, presents his terracotta urlis, vases, bowls and murals at the handicrafts exhibition. Done by hand and heated on a coal fire, each of his pieces melds art and craft in compelling shapes. The leitmotif of his work is the leaf; and the bowls, murals and vases come in interesting juxtapositions. The terracotta items are perfect accessories for homes and gardens. Other products on display are patchwork wall-hangings from Gujarat that bring together pieces of block-prints, embroidery and embellishment in brilliant collages.
There are pretty pieces of colourful wood inlay work from Mysore, bright Madhubani art, whitewood figurines, lamps, etc.
Utkal Kala Kriti from Odisha has a plethora of craft products such as lac bangles, semi-precious stone beads, Saharanpur’s carved wooden artefacts and furniture as well as Odhisa’s beautiful Sambalpuri ikat saris and yardage, Pattachitra art, etc. The dhokra work is amazingly delicate. Tiny Ganeshas sit beside artistically conceived clothes hangers, door handles and tribal figurines. The reproduction of an antique ‘deepam’ featuring peacocks is stunning both in concept and detailing.
(The Utkal Kala Kritiis on at Sankara Hall, TTK Road, Alwarpet and the handicrafts exhibition is on view at Valluvar Kottam, Nungambakkam High Road, both till May 22)
