Dastkar, a Delhi-based NGO working for crafts and craftspeople, has yet again managed to recreate the magic of the Thar Desert in the Capital. It is now holding the second edition of Desert Crafts-2015. The sweet sounds of copper bells from Gujarat, hand-crafted wooden toys, puzzles from Rajasthan; miniature paintings and terracotta pottery; all reflect the unique aesthetics of the Great Indian desert!
Explaining the philosophy of Dastkar, Jahnvi Singh, member of the organising committee, said, “The artisans are from backward rural areas. They have these terrific art forms but without patronage most of it will become extinct. They have to practice farming on the side to keep their kitchen running and unfortunately this year it rained too much which made the handicrafts suffer.”
In a farmers market converted into a plush Nature Bazaar in Chhattarpur, the show is a vibrant celebration of traditional crafts and the cultural exuberance of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Hand-woven woollen stoles and home linen created by the Vankar weavers from Kutch in Gujarat vie with the traditional cotton weaves from Rajasthan. Ancient block-printing techniques of Ajrakh and Dabu have been given a contemporary twist by craftsmen and designers to create distinct collections of apparel and home linen, delicate patchwork and appliqué form which have a maze of motifs.
When probed as to who really buy all these artefacts, Jahnvi said, “Through the 25 years we’ve been holding these bazaars the upper middle class and upper class people are able to buy these authentic handicrafts which are labour intensive and thus a little high end. But now we are seeing even youngsters who are coming to buy these items which are traditional with a contemporary look.”
One of the potters, Ram Kumar from Kutch region, said, “This has been my family business for years but sadly it is dying now. I will make sure my art doesn’t die with me and that my sons carry it forward.”
(Venue: Nature Bazaar, Andheriya Mor, Chhattarpur, till August 31)
