In a city like Bangalore, exhibitions have become commonplace. However Sampoorn is not like the regular exhibitions one comes across. If you care for artisans, this one is a must visit. Sampoorn is a non-profit organization that works for upliftment of rural artisans and weavers. The artisans are mostly national and state award recipients representing interior and rural areas of the country and are conducting the sale directly without any middlemen.
Says Secretary Shalini Kailash, "We are giving them a marketing platform but we need patronage from the Government and corporate sector to encourage these artisans. We also plan in future to adopt a cluster of artisans and conduct workshops for them."
The first stall that catches your eye is the one from Manipur showcasing the famous 'Longpi Pottery' from the Thankhul Naga tribes of the Ukhrul district of Manipur. The clay is formed by mixing powders of serpentinite and weather rocks in a 3:2 ratio with water.
The clay is placed on the wooden plate for giving the desired shape and design by molding it with the hands.
Once it is dried and hard enough, it is kept under fire at a temperature of approximately 900 degree centigrade for around 5-9 hrs. Thereafter, they are rubbed and polished by a local plant leaf known as "chiron Na" before the temperature decreases.
The dull black polished potteries are then ready to use. Also check the traditional Naga jewellery here that is no longer available elsewhere as well as the scented candles in a bamboo mould!
At the exhibition you also get to see the intricate sandal woodcarvings of 4 time National Award winner Rajendra Prasad Bondwal that is unique for its double design on the inside and outside! Also check the sandalwood jewellery here for something different.
The stall from Chattisgarh has lamps and artifacts made from fully dried bottle gourd (yes you read that right!). There are also colourful key chains, purses, notepads and jewellery from Sahaj in Gujarat as well as oxidized silver hand made jewellery from Hubli that are worth a dekho. Another must see is the collection of garments from the all women Trust Aagor Daagra Afad involved with the Bodo women weavers. These special weaves using the 'extra warp method' lend a touch of exclusivity to the garments.
You can also find here the traditional kasuti work in a makeover with the new lizy bizy work with sequences added in that is catching up in popularity. The palm leaf paintings from Orissa have a unique painting depicting the 19 faces of Lord Jagannath made by artist Bijay Chinaray are also interesting.
The brass artefacts have also been given a makeover by Ashok Sehrai who has them as a wall hanging now, complete with a raw silk background in a frame. Kavita T's block print fabrics with traditional kutch work motifs are another attraction.
You can also lay your hands on Pottery from Jaipur, Dokra from West Bengal, Ikkat sarees from Orrisa, Jaipur bangles, Carpets from Uttar Pradesh and Tanjore art from Tamil Nadu. White Metal Jewellery, Oil paintings, dry flowers and hair and body care products from Shammem Aromatics are on display. Check this one at Safina Plaza, on till October 28.
