Arts Graduate

The group of 12 artisans whose works will be on display in Mumbai.

A unique exhibition at Artisans’ Gallery, Mumbai, called “Craft Re-defined”, will showcase the works of the first graduating batch of artisan designers and entrepreneurs of Somaiya Kala Vidya’s (SKV) new Business and Management For Artisans (BMA) course. The course has no run-of-the-mill syllabus, nor are its students regular under-graduates. The programme, designed to train, educate and benefit artisans based in Kutch, in sustaining their craft and growing their business, will see its graduating band of weavers, bandhani, ajrak and Rabari embroidery artists showcase saris, dupattas, stoles, garments and accessories. And if you’re wondering how this unique educational programme, founded by renowned design educator and anthropologist and SKV director Judy Frater, has benefitted these skilled workers, you can ask them over a cup of tea at 4 pm daily. That’s when bandhani artist Zakiyaben Ayub Khatri will tell you how the course has taught her to be self-reliant. Or how Rabari embroidery artist Monghiben Rana’s work has found new direction post completing the programme.

Each of the 12 graduating artisans will present collections inspired by, among other things, the date palms of Kutch, the 19th century dargah of Lakhpat, butterflies and painter Van Gogh. “Craft Re-defined” will be on display from December 3 to 6, from 11 am to 7 pm, at
Artisans’ Gallery, with an illustrated presentation by Frater on December 4, from 4 pm to 6 pm.