Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture inaugurated the exhibition on ‘Tradition is Contemporary- Danish Textile Craft in in Art and Design’ in the presence of Freddy Svane, Danish Ambassador to India at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy here today.
Talking about the rich tradition and customs of India, she emphasisied that academic research may be done on the Indian fabrics and the traditional ways of artisans to popularize the country’s textile sector in the global market. She suggested recreating Indian fabrics using sustainable ways for better marketing in international platforms.
“It’s time we start looking at the commonalities in our civilisations,” Smt. Lekhi said referring to the Danish association in the exhibition. The three-month long exhibition will conclude on 16th February, 2023. The exhibition is being organized in collaboration with Danish Agency of Culture, Denmark.
Mr. Freedy Savne, Ambassador of Denmark to India said that India has many cultures and it is the best living civilization. He also applauded how India has kept its culture and traditions intact which reflects in the work of artisans. “Indian fabric and textiles has shaped the humanity,” he said.
Shri Shantmanu, DC (Handicrafts) said that the country has a cultural exchange programme however, soon the Ministry of Textiles will be initiating craft exchange programme for wider exposure of artisans involved in the sector.
A deep reflection on the influence of Indian tradition on Danish designers and artistes through over 200 years, the collection also includes 9 vintage textiles and samples of Indian weaves transported on merchant’s ships to Denmark in the 1820s.
Besides seeking inspiration from pieces that are stored in The National Archives (Rigsarkivet) in Copenhagen. The curators have also reproduced a few textile installations for the exhibition that used as part of the scenography.
13 examples of Danish textiles artists and designers are on display in this exhibition, the earliest from the 1930s up to those working today. They all explore local Danish traditions while often taking direct inspiration from Indian crafts and techniques.
Aside from the directly Danish examples, the oldest pieces here are 9 specimens of Indian textile samples dating back to the early 1800’s that were sailed on merchant’s ships to be sold in Denmark by the Danish Asia Company.
National Crafts Museum, Ministry of Textile situated in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi promotes the awareness of our country’s heritage mostly Handicrafts and Handlooms through display of objects in the galleries and live demonstration of skill and technique by Master craftsperson in Crafts Demonstration Program.
In addition to this, the Museum is having various other things like Village Complex having courtyards, and huts of different state at one place and beautiful environment.