What’s with Bangalore? The calendar is packed round the year with many flea markets like Kitsch Mandi, Sunday Soul Santhe, state exhibitions in Safina, Dastkar, Hastakala, Kala Madhyam and such at the Chitra Kala Parishat. It’s truly turning out to be a collectors and art & craft lovers’ paradise. The Forum Value Mall at Whitefield hosted yet another flea market, the third such event happening this year I think. It had the usual suspects – paintings, accessories, hand-painted blankets, hand made jewelery, potted planters, art work, terrarium, stoles, and dress materials. Paper flowers and yummy cupcakes were perhaps the only one I haven’t seen at other fairs.
The Handmade Collective, the third edition organized by A Hundred Hands, is happening behind Hotel Ajanta on MG Road from Oct. 31st – Nov. 4th. I went there yesterday afternoon amid cloudy skies, wet streets, empty roads and chilly air.
Hello everyone! How was your weekend? It was quite a wet one in Bangalore but that doesn’t stop us from going out and having fun, does it? I went to Chitrakala Parishath on Saturday just in time as the week long exhibition was getting over on Sunday. I think I’ve written before how much I like the exhibitions that happen at this venue – something that’s amiss at Dastkar despite the hype. The crowd is quite different, down to earth, casual and it has a more close-knit feeling because of the relatively smaller space. I feel totally at home and don’t mind the distance.
The exhibition also saw an overwhelming number of the regular stalls – cotton kurtas and kurtis, blue pottery, terracotta urlis, colorful bangles & trinklets, black pottery, and handmade soaps.
The tanjore paintings stall at the beginning was the show stopper for me. There were two other Tanjore painting stalls inside but on closer inspection they didn’t have the finish that this one sported.
You thought I was done writing about Dastkar, didn’t you? I’m sorry folks, but I just can’t get over the excitement that nature bazaar happened so close to home. Yes, I made one final trip on Friday morning and back with some more pictures. So, this is one last post until next year.
Some of the stuff I saw this time was mind blowing. Like this one from Gujarat. I was in awe of the craftsmanship behind the potlis and almost bought the white one (can you spot it?). Some of the totes would be super handy for that quick trip to the grocery store.
I have a huge weakness for lanterns. And, it takes some serious amount of self control to not indulge in yourself when they come in such beautiful colors and shapes. It took some resolve to resist these.
It was past 6 p.m. on Saturday evening. After a long day, while we were returning home, my husband casually said, “oh, I forgot to tell you, Dastkar is happening at Ezone this year.” I was like, “what, serious?” And then, it came back in a flash. A friend had texted me that morning about a craft mela happening at a venue which is literally a stone’s throw away from home. It was enough to get me a on a high for the weekend and the tiredness of the day vanished in thin air.
Datskar, nature bazaar, happens every year around this time of the year at Palace Grounds. Dastkar and Kala Madhyam are the two events I look forward to every year but I’d somehow missed the announcement this year. Here’s a brief take on Dastkar 2012 after two visits and still eager for more.
What I liked:
The sights, the colors, the excitement of the kids to try the potter’s wheel, ladies undecided over fancy beaded jewelery, colorful birdies, kites, and a bit of every state served on a huge platter called Dastkar.
The path leading to the venue is decked up in ribbons of all colors and patterns. Nothing matches the vibrancy of a art and craft exhibition. Dastkar is the mother of all such exhibitions so the excitement doubles up. Phew! Honestly, it’s overwhelming. But, for art aficionados like me, this is as good as it gets.
Yea..most men don’t come there by choice, but by force accompanying the ladies..sorry guys. But, could see the desperation on many of your faces to get out and the huge sigh of relief as you walked past the exit. I overheard one gentleman saying at the entrance even before entering, “ah dekh liya..ab bas yahin se chalen.” It can get exhausting and you need at least an hour to get a feel of it.
Many stalls from last year were missing this time. I spoke to quite a few artisans and felt sad for them as the venue perhaps played spoil sport. They were not getting as good a footfall as Palace Grounds does.
Kitsch Mandi happened at Pebble, Palace Grounds on Sunday. Cars started rolling in from 1:00 p.m. By the time we left at 3:30 p.m., the crowds started pouring in undeterred by the overcast and the showers that followed; the party had just begun. There was food, crafts, quirky prints, funky accessories, chunky bracelets, kitschy clutches, and loads of artsy staff spread over the 50 odd stalls under one big banyan tree.
We’ve been to Dastkar, Kala Madhyam before. But, what was different about Kitsch Mandi is I got to see creations that one usually doesn’t get to see in the standard handicraft exhibitions. Most of the products stood out; it’s not a imitation of something. There was something individualistic – be it the clutches from Pink Jalebi, or the accessories from 22.c – a form of creative self expression. And, a crowd that appreciated it and was clearly having a good time with food and beer in hand and good music to groove to. Of course, on a honest note, if you ask me, most of it on display was pricey and clearly the target audience were not the masses.
My son at the potter’s wheel at the Culture Trails stall.
Have you been to the Chitrakala Parishath in Bangalore? The place hosts several arts and handicrafts exhibitions round the year and a visit to the center has been on the cards for months now. And, I’m glad it’s going to happen this weekend. Thanks to an exhibition by Maati Crafts from June 30 – July 2nd.
Ever since I saw the beautiful applique curtain on Once upon a team time, I’ve been asking my husband every time he visits Mumbai if he would be around that area. Just like any Indian hand crafted piece, you’ll fall in love with the work of their artisans once you see their FB page. The vibrant colors and miniature figures are mesmerizing. My favorite is the miniature pottery collection and the curtain.
