Arresting artistic expressions
PUSHPA CHARI
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Catch the best of Andhra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and other States at shows in two places in the city.
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AESTHETIC TOUCH: Trendy wall hangings. — PHOTO: M. Srinath
Utkalika's Craft Fair (CP Arts Centre, Eldams Road, Alwarpet) is largely an expression of the traditional in exquisitely sculpted, red granite icons, palm leaf and Patachitra paintings. Lacquered papier mache boxes painted with Patachitra motifs, superbly crafted grey sandstone garden lights, Buddha heads etc., are a draw. Ancient piple appliqué work can be seen on colourful new-age garden umbrellas and wall hangings. Also enticing are the lamp stands and ashtrays with Dhobra work and an arresting array of Sambhalpuri Ikat, Bomkai and tussar saris.
The All India Crafts Fair at Sri Sankara Hall (TTK Road, Teynampet) has an attractive collection of eclectic crafts, loveliest of painted neem wood wall hangings, wall brackets featuring pretty peacocks and other colourful bird forms. The woodcuts are the latest innovation in merging Andhra's famed wood carving skills with bric-a-brac and contemporary designer objects. The fair also has well finished brass icons from Tamil Nadu, which borrow from Orissa's delicate stonework motifs such as fruit laden, leafy trees. Bronze icons from Swamimalai with their pure classicism, gem paintings and marble artefacts from Rajasthan, an array of soapstone sculpture from Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra's rope murals are other interesting items on view.
Rosewood inlay panels and beautiful brass inlay furniture and objects made from sheesham wood make arresting statements. And if you like clay art with a difference, don't miss the tiny Durga images, pretty painted fruits and vegetables, and tiny lacquered brass craft pieces from West Bengal. Tiny gods and goddesses carved out of semi precious stones are also on display.
The exhibitions are interesting shopping destinations, both for craft items and textiles such as Pochampalli ikat and chikankari saris, as well as Orissa's rich tradition of cotton and tussar saris. The exhibitions end on June 26 and 27.
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Entertainment
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
