This Exhibition In Delhi Showcases India’s Ancient Craft Traditions Through A Modern Lens

Shrijan – The Birth of a Craft | The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), in collaboration with Craftroots, has created a visual display of crafts at the Innovation Gallery within the Textile Gallery II: Tradition and Innovation at the National Crafts Museum & Hastakala Academy in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. This exhibition in Delhi showcases India's rich craft and textile traditions through a modern lens.

Notably, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) is the country’s premier not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the business of fashion and ensuring its sustainable growth. On the other hand, Craftroots, an initiative founded by Anar Patel and her board, combines elements of textile, fashion, craft, and art into a deeply evocative narrative. This artisans' collective, based in Ahmedabad, originated from a skill development programme aimed at empowering women from underprivileged communities while celebrating India’s rich craft heritage.

About The Exhibition

Titled "Shrijan – The Birth of a Craft," the exhibition, curated by Sunil Sethi, explores the essence of India’s ancient craft traditions from a contemporary perspective. Each installation metaphorically tells the story of craftsmanship, highlighting themes of creation, growth, emotion, and existence. This showcase aligns with the gallery’s vision of celebrating innovation grounded in tradition by featuring exceptional works from designers, artisans, and textile artists throughout India.

Promoting Craft Traditions

"At the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, our goal is to consistently promote crafts and support artisans throughout the country," says Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts). Raj explains that each region offers its own unique perspective and tradition. Through ongoing exhibitions at the National Crafts Museum - Hastakala Academy, they aim to provide a platform for these diverse voices.

"This particular showcase, organised by Craftroots and curated by Sunil Sethi of the Fashion Design Council of India, brings together elements of fashion, craft, art, and culture. It serves as a visual representation of Indian craftsmanship, and we remain committed to highlighting the diversity and skills found in communities across the nation."

"The rich cultural significance of India is deeply rooted in its ancient relics, each telling stories of heritage and craftsmanship," said Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI. "These art installations visually narrate the intricate labour and love that goes into creating each piece, reflecting a beautiful transformation into contemporary forms."

The Idea Of Life

According to Anar Patel, founder of Craftroots in Ahmedabad, "The art installations have been painstakingly created to represent how the craft was born, blossomed, experienced the beauty of emotions, and metamorphosed into an embodiment of its own story." He added that each art piece in Shrijan symbolises the idea of life, resonating with a mother's emotions and happiness when a child is born. This concept embodies the marks of life that define the force of cosmic energy. All the art installations narrate a tale of modest vision in today's era. "As seen, 'Shrijan- The Birth of a Craft' is a captivating blend of connection and harmony, symbolising a collective of emotional expressions in various forms,” said Patel.

Craftsroot is a tribute to India’s timeless craft traditions, created by Patel. As a fair trade initiative by Gramshree, Craftroots empowers traditional artisans by providing a global platform to showcase their work and preserve age-old art forms. Based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Craftroots has grown into a nationwide movement, supporting over 35,000 artisans across 87 crafts and 22 states, in collaboration with 19 NGOs. The initiative is dedicated to uplifting underprivileged men and women artisans, helping them build sustainable livelihoods with dignity and pride.

The Information | Shrijan – The Birth of a Craft

When: On till June first week, 10 AM to 6PM, Tuesday to Sunday (shut on Mondays)

Where: National Crafts Museum and Hastakala Academy, Bhairon Marg, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi 110001