Journalism of Courage
The Pink Elephant has intricately folded sides and a raised trunk. It immediately impresses the eye. Several such designs and models are showcased on the website of Anool Mahidharia,an origami enthusiast from Mumbai. Mahidharia credits the design of the elephant to Tim Ward and Trevor Hatchett from London. Their work features in the book Origami by Robert Harbin. On his website,Mahadharia describes his interest for origami quite simply. He says,”To transform a flat piece of paper into a three dimensional piece of art,to breathe life into a static object with just your bare hands,that is the beauty of origami.” A member of the organisation called Origamimitra,Mahidharia is just one of many who are fascinated by this art. The 30-year-old organisation,founded by Indu Tilak from Pune and Geeta Kantwala from Mumbai,has spread its wings to several cities.
The group boasts of more than 80 members from Ahmedabad,Pune,Mumbai,Nagpur and Bangalore. In Pune alone,it has a strong base of 25 members. At their bi-annual exhibition – Wonderfold ’11,which begins today,the members are exhibiting around 250 models showcasing modern origami along with a gallery of action models. A six ft tall Ashok Stambha folded by the whole group is the main attraction. There are also introductory workshops scheduled for visitors. Suniti Bhat,a member for the last 15 years,says,”Every year,the exhibition is held alternatively in Mumbai and Pune. We have a different theme for every show. This year we have recreated the work of 10-15 origami designers from around the world. I am presenting the work of Japanese designer Toshikazu Kawasaki.” The exhibition will also feature the works of Robert Lang,Akira Yoshizawa ,John Montreal and others. Her interest in the art goes back to the first time she attended one of these exhibitions. “From then on,there was no looking back,” she says with a smile.
(Wonderfold ’11 will be held at Tilak Smarak Mandir,Tilak Road,till November 6 from 10 am to 8 pm)
