Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 10: The Department of Handicraft and Handloom held an exhibition today featuring two award-winning artists, aiming to familiarize people with their work.
The exhibition took place at Kashmir Arts Emporium, where two recently awarded craftsmen showcased their skills and presented their work on the spot.
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The artists included Ghulam Nabi Dar, who was recently awarded the Padma Shree for his contribution in the field of walnut wood carving, and Riyaz Ahmad Khan, a paper machie artist who was recently honored with the state award for his contribution.
Mahmood Shah, Director of Handicrafts, expressed on the occasion that following the awards, people were eager to meet the artists and see their work.
“Keeping that in view, we thought of organizing an exhibition for a few days so that people could come here and see their work firsthand, which could inspire them,” he said.
He added that the department aimed to familiarize people with the craft and showcase how much it has evolved, allowing them to witness the spectacular work of these artists.
Shah mentioned that the Government has introduced various schemes focused on crafts and artists, benefiting those associated with various art forms.
“Recently, we started the Craft Safari, and we are also working on the promotion of e-commerce, which will eventually eliminate the issue of middleman ship,” he stated.
Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, expressed happiness over the acknowledgment of these artists’ work at the highest level while stating the need for working for further development of the sector as well as the people associated with it.
“Kashmir is known for these crafts. I am happy that their work has been appreciated and recognized. We have a responsibility to take it further. Even the G20 delegations were mesmerized, noting that they had not seen such intricate art anywhere,” he remarked.
Riyaz Ahmad Khan, the award-winning artist from Alamgari Bazar who recently received the state award, commented, “We should learn these crafts as they can help in earning a livelihood. When people see our work, they appreciate it, which encourages us.”
Khan, who has graduated, emphasized the importance of continuing with the craft, noting, “this craft needs to be loved, and it surely loves you back. The acknowledgement from the government motivates artists to do more in this regard.”
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