Celebrating a living, breathing tradition

The colours and culture of Kachchh have always been a rich source of inspiration for the artfully inclined. The Triumph of Kachchh — presented by 47A in Khotachiwadi, Mumbai, and curated by Satish Reddy, brings in a slice of the stunning landscapes of the Kachchh region in Gujarat. 

“For me, Kachchh is a living, evolving tradition; an amalgamation of art, craft, culture and traditions that are many centuries old, and yet adapting to the ever-changing times,” shares Satish, who left his corporate job to sojourn through the heart of the region, living and working intimately with local tribes and communities. As a craft mentor, he set up Sanchari, a project that plays the role of a virtual design school to incubate fresh ideas.

 “I find the region’s unique cultural heritage — reflected in its diverse crafts, rituals, and artistic expressions — enthralling. This exhibition celebrates Kachchh as a living, evolving tradition. It honours the past while embracing the future. Through this series, the artisans emerge as artists, creators, and storytellers,” he says. “Each piece feels like a dialogue between heritage and innovation, between maker and viewer. The artisans’ use of subtle symbolism, their willingness to play with design, and their thoughtful exploration of identity through their age-old craft techniques and tools are all vividly expressed in these works. The collection reflects a shift from traditional constraint to a bold embrace of creative freedom, engaging in creative risks, and inviting the viewer into their world.”

Last year, 47A brought in the inaugural show, ‘Kachchh Born Again’. It was met with tremendous applause. “This success sparked a crucial question: Could this be a one-time phenomenon, or could it sustain momentum?” he continues.

“The current exhibition showcasing simultaneously at 47-A and Art Mumbai solidifies this triumph. Each work is a rich expression, an ode to their beautiful imagination, exploration, and courage. Hailing from remote regions of Kachchh with no formal training, these artisans have boldly broken free from traditional constraints. They hold their own ground, with their simple tools and age-old techniques.”

Ancient traditions emerge in a contemporary format in the artworks. Handmade artworks ear mark sheer luxury, with upcycling bringing in a sustainable dimension. Aafasil Luhar’s work with metal shines in copper bells — as he upcycles old copper bells to create lamps, sculptures and an extraordinary tangram game.

Rizwan Khatri breathes life into Rogan art, Ramesh Marwada speaks through his exquisite Kharad woven panels and Shakil Khatri makes Batik a fluid expressive form.

“The artisans have been able to break free from rigid roles, discovering their own agency as designers and innovators. With The Triumph of Kachchh, this journey reaches a new depth. The artisans not only reclaim their authority over craft but begin a dialogue with their audience. They learn to view their work through the eyes of others, embracing a more intentional artistry where each piece becomes a meeting point between maker and viewer,” explains Satish.

Soak up the intricacies of the handiwork in applique and embroidery that brings in Kuvarben’s and Pabiben’s narratives using traditional Rabari techniques.

Shibori and tie-dye emerge laced with energy in Imran and Zuber Khatri’s innovative approach to these techniques. Jabbar and Abdullah Khatri’s experimental use of Bandhani and Clamp dye dissolves the perimeters between the palpable and the abstract. Kasam and Zuma’s exquisite and detailed embroidery showcases the precision and artistry of this ancient craft.

Sakina Pathan shapes the geometrics in her rendition of Paithani embroidery and applique. Wool felting by Karim Mansuri rolls in the old technique with modern media influences.

Triumph of Kachchh is a celebration of the journey of the artisans. “Of how playfulness, curiosity, and self-awareness became integral to their creative process,” says Satish.