An Exhibition of Mahatma Gandhi’s Thoughts
Expressed Through Calligraphy on Hand-Made Paper
Dastkari Haat Samiti has collaborated with IGNCA to Present this Unique Exhibition to Celebrate Gandhi’s 150th Anniversary
Indian Observer Post
New Delhi; Feb 2; 2019: In celebration of Gandhi’s 150th Anniversary; the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and Dastkari Haat Samiti have collaborated to present a unique exhibition combining hand-made paper and calligraphy on the theme of Mahatma Gandhi. It explores images; symbols; words and thoughts related to Mahatma Gandhi
For Gandhi Virasat – Kagazkala; 11 calligraphers from across the country have enthusiastically done 5-7 works each in their inimitable styles and regional scripts; collectively offering 61 works which are on display at one of the twin galleries at the IGNCA on Janpath. They show how handmade paper and calligraphy enhance each other on beautifully textured canvases to convey Gandhi’s deeply valuable messages to humanity.
The Dastkari Haat Samiti has been promoting the art of calligraphy in regional Indian scripts for the past 7 years; to provide a visually aesthetic vocabulary for our craftspeople to explore and enhance their ability to use literacy in a way that is meaningful and adaptable to their traditional skills. Calligraphy has great potential offered by India’s 22 official languages and 13 scripts to create our own calligraphy art to match the calligraphy of China; Japan; Korea; Egypt and Iran.
Hand-made papermaking is a part of India’s craft skills; promoted avidly by Mahatma Gandhi as a means towards Independence and self-reliance in our village economies. Handmade papermaking involves the use of a large variety of waste materials that are eco-friendly; recycling them into a valuable asset. Organic materials were very much a part of our past, and are a crucial resource for a sustainable planet. Gandhi; who was far ahead of his times on issues of a sustainable planet and sustainable livelihoods; gave us many means to pursue these paths.