Leather lampshades from Andhra Pradesh, lacquered and terracotta wood from Gujarat, palm leaf etchings from Orissa, and Warli paintings from Maharashtra have been displayed in all their glory at the Indian Craft and Textile Exhibition, held by the non-profit organisation, Paramparik Karigar.

The exhibition, was inaugurated on Tuesday by Nana Chudasama, the founder of Giants International, at the Coomaraswamy Hall in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. The exhibition will showcase traditional art and craft exhibits from all over the country.

Paramparik Karigar, the organisation which holds the exhibition annually, allows craftsmen from different corners of the country to exhibit their art, and gives them a platform to market their wares in cities across the country. The craftsmen who are invited to the exhibitions held by the NGO, are allowed to sell their craft directly to consumers, thus eliminating any middlemen from entering the picture.

Venkat Raman Singh Shyam, a craftsman from Madhya Pradesh, who paints in the Gond Tribal style, using both acrylic and natural paints says, “I began painting when I was seven years old. Most of what I do is based on traditional mythology and nature.” The gifted artist adds, ‘There are no middlemen involved here, and the artist himself interacts with the buyer. We are also given awards, fellowships and other encouragement.” He also points at the fact that the art and crafts exhibited during Paramparik Karigar exhibitions are separate from the textile exhibits, making it a better experience for many buyers.

Hanif Galwani, who comes from a family of potters says, “I’ve been associated with Paramparik Karigar for eight years now. It’s an art that runs in my family. This is an excellent place to market our goods. Otherwise, nobody would know us, since we work out of Dharavi.” Maharana Dilipkumar, whose father had been associated with Paramparik Karigar, something that he plans to continue says, “Most of our paintings are made from natural colours and have mythological depictions. The fine drawings are made from rat hair.”

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