An exhibition in Hyderabad by Khamir showcases batik craft of Kutch with a touch of modernity

A craftsman shows a cloth with batik design in Hyderabad
| Photograph Credit score: Particular Association

A workforce of younger, completed artisans is in Hyderabad to share tales of the distinctive batik handicraft of Kutch and showcase merchandise created with modern patterns/designs. In collaboration with the Crafts Council of Telangana (CCT), the four-day exhibition Batik of Kutch makes an attempt to spotlight the standard batik craft and the position performed by Kutch-based NGO Khamir in reviving and serving to it adapt to altering occasions.

Celebrating the town

“Among the artisans have individually showcased their assortment in Hyderabad, however it’s the first time that craftsmen of two clusters have come collectively for an occasion,” says Dipesh Buch, a senior Khamir workforce member. The group of 10 artisans from clusters of Mundra and Bhujpur in Gujarat, dwelling to multigenerational craft kinds are holding breast as they have a good time the craft with a contact of modernity.

Artisans a part of a workshop
| Photograph Credit score:
Particular Association

“I’m the sixth era in my household,” says Khatri Shakil Ahmed, exhibiting us the design of a batik circle impressed by Hyderabad. Shakil had searched on-line concerning the metropolis’s distinct character earlier than creating designs. The batik circle with beautiful patterns represents the biryanithaal (plate), he explains. If one sample is impressed by the architectural design of Charminar, one other has a panorama sample with a river (Musi) flowing in between.

Initiative to encourage

Materials on show
| Photograph Credit score:
Particular Association

A collection of initiatives by Khamir that started 18 months in the past, was geared toward sustaining the craft, introducing craftsmen to improvements and fusing custom with modernity. “Some children from these artisan households have been working as salesmen in shops. These workshops introduced them again to the craft, gave them an identification and helped them discover countless potentialities. Senior craftsmen additionally tailored to new strategies,” says Dipesh, including, “With the help of manufacturers like Good Earth, Crafts Council of Telangana and Artistic Dignity, our onerous work has yielded outcomes.”

Craftspersons face many challenges: from low cost batik options out there to collections made with artificial dyes. The problem, Shakil says, was to retain their craft’s identification. “Batik is practised in Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Japan. In India too, it’s practised in West Bengal, Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), and likewise in Rajkot and Ahmedabad (Gujarat). We’ve to maintain our uniqueness.” West Bengal artisans use brush and the craft made with Naphthol dyes has themes of birds, animals and figures associated to mythology. “We (Kutch artisans) use picket blocks and pure dyes.”

Craftsman at his unit
| Photograph Credit score:
Particular Association

Dipesh hopes Hyderabadis will get pleasure from an immersive expertise as they witness this celebration of tradition, neighborhood and craft.

Batik of Kutch exhibition is on at Kamala Corridor, Crafts Council of Telangana in Banjara Hills, until October 19; A hands-on-workshop can be held on October 18 from 10 am to 1 pm (Supplies can be supplied); Contact: 91- 9909885620