JOIN USRural artists across the globe have come under one platform to celebrate the spirit of art and craft at ‘Craftmarche – the Global Craft and Cultural Fair’, which is presented by Innovative Film City, at Rangoli Metro Arts Centre (RMAC).
The event is a cultural rendezvous demonstrating the eclectic performances and the intricate craftsmanship from different countries. Several countries are participating at the exhibition including Singapore, Korea, Thailand, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Burma. It is a rare experience for the audience to witness diverse art forms and handicrafts from different countries on one platform.
This festival provides an opportunity for craftsmen to display, demonstrate and sell their century-old techniques of craft and design. People are introduced to rich techniques of traditional handicrafts. Around 24 stalls have been put up at RMAC, and artisans will have a chance to interact with customers, providing the latter with business opportunities.
It is a colourful space with a number of make-shift stalls, which exhibit a range of Indian and international craft items, including exquisite paintings, textiles, wood work, ivory artwork, pottery, terracotta, stonework, lacquer work, mirror embroidery and cane and grass work.
Pai, from Thailand who is visiting India for the first time, hopes to receive good feedback for her products, which range from accessories to other craft items.
Simte, an artist from Thailand who has visited India several times and has been a part of numerous craft exhibitions, feels that Bengaluru has a vibrant shopping atmosphere unlike other cities. “The exhibition is also taking place in Innovative Film City. But people generally do not come there to shop as it’s an amusement park. So I was a little apprehensive about making profit there. But on MG Road, which is the centre of the City, there are more people who walk by. So I hope to make profit here. The only glitch is the unavailability of parking space.”
A group of artists from Odisha, who are displaying traditional Pattachitra artwork through paintings, palm-leaf work and coconut paintings say that it took two weeks of preparation to put up the stall.
Upasana Mittal, the CEO of Innovative Film City and organiser of the exhibition, is elated with the kind of response and support she has received from the people. “This exhibition will provide artists and craftsmen with a wide range of opportunities. These artists do no have any exposure to a city-life. Some of them are scared and timid to approach customers to sell their products. This exhibition will help them interact with the city folks and also, their efforts will be appreciated.”
Some of the challenges the organisers faced was to convince people that the products available in the exhibition are unique. “People are carried away by online shopping where the products are either plastic or mass-manufactured. People have forgotten the essence of handicraft products. Buying these products will help artists and also one can own a treasure trove of items from various cultures.”