Indian Craft & Textile Exhibition brings together craftsmen from across the country

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.

Anu Sorabjee, a volunteer with Paramparik Karigar, while acknowledging the talent of the artists who exhibit their work says, “The craftsman is the most important person here. When they do well, the difference can be seen among their families and their villages. We also send them abroad for exhibitions and to showcase their work there.”