Amidst the crisis surrounding Kashmir, a group of artisans from the state is all set to showcase their indigenous crafts at Bangalore International Centre as part of Kashmiriyat, an event by Commitment to Kashmir or CtoK. Launched in 2012, CtoK works with local craftspeople in Kashmir and gives them a platform to promote their work. “When we started, we had only about four to five artisans on board. Now, that number has gone up to over 20,” says Laila Tyabji, Chairperson Dastkar and Founder Trustee of CtoK.
A collaboration with Titan, the exhibition will feature works from 21 artisans spanning various crafts, such as aari embroidery, papier mache and traditional wood work. “There are about 10 different crafts that are being represented. It is the result of over 18 months of hard work,” shares the Padma Shri awardee.
Devika Krishnan, one of the five designers who worked with the craftspeople to put together this exhibition, reveals that 60 per cent of Kashmiri households are involved in craft in one way or another. “Kashmiriyat is an opportunity to see Kashmiri craft in new light. It is our attempt to address the needs of locals affected by the conflict in a positive way,” she explains.
The collaboration resulted in a collection of close to 600 products. The artisans have used their respective crafts to tell their story. Guests can expect to see four different embroidery techniques — aari, tilla, sozni and crewel — rendered using modern motifs on tunics and tops, khadi cotton saris, mobile sleeves and laptop sleeves. Also being showcased are papier mache boxes and trays, copper ware and pashmina weaves. The event also features a panel discussion by Laila Tyabji, Zubair Ahmad Mir (Director of The Craft Development Institute, Srinagar), the artisans, designers and the CtoK team. “We will all be sharing our experience working with artisans and the challenges of the program,” says Laila, signing off.
November 26-28. At Domlur