The 167th ‘Meet the Artist’ programme, organised at the JDCA premises here on Saturday, focused on the rich traditional art and culture of Gujarat.
The workshop portrayed on the food, shelter and apparel of Kutch and Saurashtra regions in Gujarat. As chief speaker, Ghanshyam M Gadhvi gave a brief talk on a topic ‘Traditional Art and crafts of Gujarat’. Gadhvi is the founder of Sampada, a museum of folk heritage and center for arts, crafts and culture.
Gadhvi said “Our ancestors were fond of aesthetic work and from their time the embroidery and bead work had begin”. He showcased wall pieces with bead and embroidery works, Ganesh Sthapan, bullock decorations etc. Kutch embroidery work is unique in Gujarat and a well-identified handicraft textile in the country, he said, adding that the use of vibrant colours, mirrors, beads and extensive needlework is really striking.
Gadhvi further said that mud, mirror and thread of both Saurashtra and Kutch are fascinating and the work is appreciated more by foreigners than the country people here.
Among others, former ambassador Abasara Beuria, State Tourism and Culture Department Secretary Arabinda Padhee, linguist Dr Debi Prasanna Pattanyak and film personalities Sarat Pujari and Biren Das were present on the occasion.