Rangoli is an art; stitching is an art. Likewise, there are some craft villages where generations of families have preserved the age old art in India. One look at such artworks will make us fall in love with it.
Each region has its tradition of art and craft. Many Indian handicrafts also have a global market. The exhibitions and fairs are organised to give a market to such products. Don't we get attracted to such colourful fiestas?
Shall we take a tour around some art and craft villages in India?
Shilpgram
Photo Courtesy: El Tonio
Shilpgram
Rajasthani art and crafts are popular in India. Be it embroidery or pottery, Rajasthani art has enchanted us. Shilpgram is the place for you to know about various art and crafts of the region. Shilpgram Mahotsav is one festive extravaganza for the shopaholics in Udaipur.
A family of craftsmen at Raghurajpur
Photo Courtesy: Nihal Parashar
Raghurajpur
Pattachitra, a cloth-based scroll painting, is the traditional art of Puri. Artworks such as palm leaf engravings, Tussar paintings, papier mache toys, etc. grab the attention in Raghurajpur. A peak into the street of Raghurajpur arts complex, you will be bombarded by a colour blast. Mural paintings, traditional masks, wooden carvings take us to a magical world.
Cholamandal Centre For Contemporary Art
Photo Courtesy: Destination8infinity
Cholamandal Artists' Village
A community of artists reside in the Cholamandal Artists' Village; a new space provided for the promotion of modern art at Injambakkam, Chennai. Cholamandal Artists' Village is also a lively place which hosts several plays and cultural programmes. Just stroll around to feel the enigma of contemporary art in this village!
Andretta Pottery
Photo Courtesy: Ekabhishek
Andretta
Art in the backdrop of the Himalayas! Interesting? Andretta, a brainchild of Norah Richards, is a home for the artists in Himachal Pradesh. Several artists are lured to this enchanting abode of art. In recent years, Andretta is known for pottery. This artists' colony is worth a visit near Palampur.
Arts villages are made to give space for the traditional as well as the budding artists. In a contemporary world where art is seen a commodity, it becomes a necessity to value the vibrant art. It is not wrong to say that art villages are preserving the rich traditions in its way.