Hyderabad gets new space for weavers, artisans

Craft Council of Telangana opens "CCT Spaces" with "Interlace" a majestic display of India's Heritage Jamdani woven by designer Gaurang

Crafts Council of Telangana (CCT) opened its doors to 'CCT Spaces', an artist, craftsmen souk. The sprawling artistically designed 20,000 sq. ft space was a perfect setting for Gaurang's inspirational Jamdani weaving story, a museum-like display of 65 exquisite Indian hand-woven sarees including the sarees recreating the painting of Raja Ravi Varma in the pallu of saree, and a live demonstration of the art of Jamdani weaving.

The CCT Spaces breathed an ambiance that artisans, artists, craftsmen would love instantaneously, and presented a one-of-its-kind platform to showcase their work dedicated to Handmade in India ethos. The CCT Spaces offering included 'Craft Wall' in the Atrium depicts traditional craft that is accessible and can be architectural showpieces.

Gaurangs 'Interlace' was a magnificent display of weaves from different parts of India - Khadhi- A canvas, Sangrah - An Anthology of Jamdani - timeless classics from Dhaka, Kasi, Kota, Srikakulam, Uppada, Venkatgiri, created directly on the loom. The display lineup included Meeth- The exquisite fusion masterpieces, and Gharohar- Tapisserie, Sarees from Paithan and Kashmir, highlights the incredibly time-consuming ancient technique of tapestry.

Congratulating CCT Spaces unique initiative to promote Indian Art and his show "Interlace" - the evolution of Indian Jamdani Weaving technique Gaurang said, "As a designer, I have often wondered what makes Jamdani such a captivating canvas to many and me especially. After 20 years of working with weavers across India, I have found a layered answer.

There is, of course, the legacy. Every piece you have seen today is my homage to the past masters who created Jamdani by infusing tradition with a spirit of experimentation. This spirit is perhaps also the reason why Jamdani has so many traditional forms. There is also the skill of our weavers. We are surrounded by masters who can weave any pattern, no matter how intricate, and yet, like true artists, they keep pushing their craft.

But there is something else intertwined with all this, that gives real meaning and motivation to both the weaver and me. I believe Jamdani's future is not very different from its past! In this interlace connected through time and timelessness, I hope you, too, have discovered your idea of Jamdani's essence," Gaurang expressed.

Talking about the idea behind CCT Spaces the Chairperson of CCT Spaces said, "This space fulfils the need of the times to help the Artisans of our country, to create a dedicated space helping the growth of Crafts and the performing arts of our state".