Gujarat showcases 3-D magic of gifted hands at IITF, 2011

Gandhinagar, 13 November, 2011

Keeping in line with the tradition of showcasing its rich handicrafts and art forms to the world of buyers and art lovers, the Gujarat Pavilion, this time, at the India International Trade Fair 2011 will display the magic of its gifted artisans, many internationally recognized, with a three-dimensional effect for millions of spectators.

The Pavilion is divided into sections displaying the 3-D models of traditional Gujarati dwellings decorated with the prevalent art forms and handicrafts. A small replica of Bhunga (typical hut in the remote area of Kutch district) with a courtyard (aangan) is designed where models of working artisans are shown making handloom products. A bamboo house is constructed displaying furniture items made of bamboo to depict the lives and skills of the tribal areas of Gujarat.

Gujarat has an array a rich variety of crafts. Its embroidery, bead work, wood crafts, printed and woven clothes, pottery and tribal art are expression of the folklore and festivals. The exclusive range of these works of craftsmen and woven imbued with the social and cultural hue of the region from where they have sprung are original in nature and craftsmanship. Today far moved from the hut or the village of the craftsman, pieces of handicrafts come to adorn the houses of the elite, the five star hotels both at home and abroad. These all rich handlooms and handicrafts items will display at Gujarat Pavilion and available at reasonable rates from direct artisans for Deliates.

The exterior of the Pavilion is designed like a traditional Haveli of Gujarat having Jharokhas (windows) with beautiful carvings besides attractive mud work, mirror work and murals. A splash of Khadi paintings is done on the walls of the Haveli to revive the magic of Gujarati splendour.

The central area of the Pavilion is devoted to a Craft Bazaar (Haat) which displays a 3-D model of various artisans such as pot maker, metal work artisan, bamboo work artist etc at work.

A separate section highlights replica of the Dholavira village — an ancient civilization of the Indus Valley — with the help of three-dimensional effects.

The main attraction of the Gujarat Pavilion will be its upper portion where more than 40 stalls will display and sale handicrafts and handloom products of Gujarat. Artisans will give live demonstrations of different types of embroidery and rabari work (patch work). Renowned artist and award winner Teji Ben waghela will be showcasing her exuberant collection of dress material, ladies accessories, footwear and Lac bangles.

Some of the most popular designs and patterns of handloom and embroidery items such as Patan ka Patola, wall hangings, chakla, wooden carvings, leather toys, stone work and imitation jewellery will also be attracting thousands of visitors to the Gujarat Pavilion.

Shri U M Pandit, In-charge of the Gujarat Pavilion at IITF, 2011 said that there will be stone items from the Khambhat of Gujarat and a leather expert will display toys made of leather and leather waste.

In addition, several handloom and handicraft items of the State viz. Bandhani, Rabari work, patch work, mirror work, and several other items with a brief write up on each of these have also been displayed.

Outside the pavilion, large images of attractive tourist destinations in Gujarat viz. Gir lions sanctuary, Gandhi Ashram, famous monuments and palaces, have been displayed.

Gujarat Pavilion’s growing reputation has been accorded to best display in terms of quality by presenting a blend of traditional art forms through best possible high-tech creative talent notwithstanding the surplus sale of handicrafts. The state Pavilion has bagged Gold medals during IITF 2005, IITF 2008 and IITF 2010 and in 2006, it received a Silver Medal.