Time wrap

Fashion designer Ritu Kumar is in awe of Ellora paintings
I had first seen photos of the Ajanta and Ellora paintings in textbooks when I was studying the history of art at the Briarcliffe College in New York. That was in the Sixties and I was very attracted to their colours and designs. When I started working,I would often refer to them. It was a long wait30 yearsbefore I could visit the caves and actually see the paintings,which in one word were enchanting. The colour palate of their vegetable dyes,the composition,their craft and their printing,despite dating to the fifth century,is so inspiring even today. I am still in awe of the skill of the Ellora painters.

I try to use traditional motifs and designs like the ones in Ellora and translate them into my works. I also like the tie-and-dye techniques used in Gujarat,Maharashta and Andra Pradesh. Over the years,my collections have tried to incorporate them too. Bandhini art and traditional intricate patterns have made a visible impression on my work and can be seen in most of my collections.