Lost And Found
2023 | Terracotta, iron
Reuniting the notions of 'art and craft' in their original, intertwined form is crucial. Lost and Found, is analogous to a theme often visited in Indian Cinema – that of two brothers separated, and then reunited.
It transcends contemporary differentiation between the arts and crafts in an effort to reconnect with one’s roots. Early art forms mark pivotal human evolution episodes, and visiting pottery clusters in Warak (Maharashtra) and Kutch (Gujarat) aims to link our story back to those origins.
Engaging with artists from these clusters affected by natural disasters, reveal their resilience and positive energy. This installation is an expression of that remarkable emergence from adversity. Lost and Found is one part of an ongoing process of collaboration between potters, Kumbhar Ismailbhai Hussein, and Kumbhar Alimamad Dhavad from Lodai, Kutch, Santosh and Rakhi Warekar from Indapur, Maharashtra, Raju Sutar and Rajesh Kulkarni who led the experiments and curation for this project.
LOTA ISMAILBHAI HUSEN, KUMBHAR ALIMAMAD DHAVAD, SANTOSH AND RAKHI WAREKAR WITH RAJU SUTAR, RAJESH KULKARNI AND CREATIVE DIGNITY
CREATIVE DIGNITY is an innovative collaborative network that brings together various stakeholders within the Indian handmade sector to envision ”A world where artisans have agency to thrive with dignity.” The Indian handmade sector is rooted in natural materials and inclusivity, and traditional craftsmen can address climate change at the grassroots. The “Lost and Found” project curated by Rajesh Kulkarni and Raju Sutar falls under their Craft x Climate initiative that positions craft practices as models to mitigate the climate crisis. The project works with pottery clusters in Indapur (Maharashtra) and potters in the Kutch district by experimenting with clay mixes, firing techniques, and new forms. The aim is to create an art installation with a contemporary appearance rooted in strong traditional beliefs. The potters, Lota Ismailbhai Husen, and Kumbhar Alimamad Dhavad in Kutch, and Santosh and Rakhi Warekar in the Warak Cluster, experienced a revival post natural disasters. Local resources and skills facilitated a swift rehabilitation demonstrating the resilience of creative producers and offering a potential path forward for the future.
