Starting today, experience the creative side of our country as some of the most talented artists and artisans present a selection of India's best art and craft at The Handmade Collective IV.
For many years, Sonia and Mala Dhawan had been throwing open their garden, just off MG Road, to showcase works by various artisans. Encouraged by the response, the sisters formalised their initiative and formed A Hundred Hands, a not-for-profit trust. Their mission was to help these artisans earn a fair and sustainable livelihood from their work. “Every time we think that this is going to be our last show, something interesting comes up and we change our minds. And finally, we are here with the fourth edition of The Handmade Collective this week, featuring some of the members we support and encourage,” says Mala Dhawan, founder trustee, A Hundred Hands.
With no middlemen involved, the artists and designers are directly involved in the creation and sale of their products. “The objective is to facilitate a community platform of people and artists interested in handcrafted and recycled products. The Handmade Collective is the first step in this direction and participating artisans have to be members of A Hundred Hands. They have to be independent workers and the finish of their products should be excellent. Most importantly, the craft has to be traditional,” explains Mala.
This year over 60 member artisans will be participating and the event will witness some really interesting new crafts. “Some of the participating artisans have been featured in our earlier editions, but this year we have 25 new members. From Kashmir to Kerala, from able-bodied to the disabled, from communities to individuals, from urban to rural, from over 16 states in India, traditional arts, contemporary avatars of traditional crafts and eco-friendly products, this year is going to be a real treat. Look forward to artisans that include Vijay Joshi who will showcase Phad painting, the Beigh family presenting Kashmiri embroidery called Sozni on Pashmina shawls, Debashish with the famous Oriya painting - Patachitra, Vijay Soni for Sanjhi Art along with Samoolam and Kumbaya who work towards women empowerment and are famous for their patchworks,” shares Mala.
“This year we have reached out to encourage people to start working with their hands and so, we are holding quite a few workshops as well. People have come forward to create installations made from scrap!” ends Mala.
The Handmade Collective IV will be held at The Kochhar Institute, MEG, St Johns Church Road, Opposite Kendriya Vidyalaya, Next to Maneckshaw Enclave, 10.30am onwards, on till November 30.
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