Sunday Times 2
‘Shilpa Kala’: Showcasing shared handicraft traditions of Sri Lanka and India
View(s):Craftsmen from India and Sri Lanka will come together on a common platform to showcase the finest and shared handicraft traditions of both countries during the ‘Shilpa Kala’ exhibition to be held from March 23-27 at Mihilaka Medura BMICH from 10 a.m to 7 p.m.
An exhibition cum sale of traditional Sri Lankan and Indian handicrafts and textiles, ‘Shilpa Kala’ will have the participation of 23 Indian artistes and 17 local artistes.
While the Sri Lankan craft heritage showcased would include traditional masks, lace, embroidery, batik fabrics, jute, wood, cane work and ceramics, the Indian collection would include Kashmir embroidery, sarees, batiks, bead jewellery, silver, copperware, wood carvings and bandhani fabrics. Most of the textiles and crafts in this collection are unique in the sense that they come from different states of India.
The event will also bring to life different facets of Indian culture such as live bangle making demonstrations and henna art.
In addition, a workshop on ‘Marketing Traditional Handicrafts’ will be conducted on March 25 at the same premises for craftsmen, craft lovers, students/researchers on the filed.
The ‘Shilpa Kala’ exhibition, which is open to the public free of charge is organized as a part of ‘Sangam festival of India in Sri Lanka’ – a festival of dance, culture and handicrafts held during November to June 2016 in Sri Lanka.
Shilpa Kala is a project by the High Commission of India in Colombo in collaboration with the Investment and Technology Promotion Division of Ministry of External Affairs India. The artisan coordination of the programme is handled by Jaya Jetly of Dastkari Haat Samiti of India and Buddhi Keerthisena of Hands of Sri Lanka National Arts and Crafts Foundation.
According to Chairman Hands of Sri Lanka National Arts and Crafts Foundation, Deshabandu Buddhi Keerthisena, the event which takes the form of a craft marketing programme would not only a create a platform for local craftsmen to showcase their expertise but will also open up various other opportunities to develop their trade such as participating in Indian trade fairs, knowledge sharing etc.
-(DS)