Lucknow University Arts Students Shine with Traditional Embroidery at Taana Baana Exhibition
The vibrant world of traditional Indian textiles and embroidery came alive on the final day of the four-day Taana Baana textile and painting exhibition at the Kala Srot art gallery in Lucknow on Tuesday. The exhibition showcased an impressive collection of artwork created exclusively by students from the Arts College of Lucknow University.
Diverse Display of Student Creativity
Beyond the embroidered artwork, the exhibition featured a comprehensive display of student creations including textile pieces, sarees, coord sets, and decorative cushions. This diverse presentation highlighted the multifaceted talents of the young artists and their dedication to preserving and innovating traditional crafts.
Curator Mahati Vashishtha emphasized the exhibition's rich diversity, stating, "There are different prints and handicraft from various states, created by students on textiles and canvas." This statement underscores how the event served as a microcosm of India's vast textile heritage, reinterpreted through the lens of contemporary student artistry.
Traditional Techniques on Full Display
The exhibition was a veritable encyclopedia of Indian embroidery and printing techniques. Students skillfully employed methods such as:
- Kaantha embroidery from Bengal
- Bharva and chikankari work from Lucknow
- Opulent zardozi embroidery
- Traditional prints including batik, kalamkari, bandhani, and bagh
This technical diversity demonstrated both the students' mastery of traditional methods and their ability to apply these techniques to create modern artistic expressions.
Student Artists and Their Inspirational Works
Several student artists shared the stories behind their creations, adding personal depth to the exhibition:
- Ansh Pratap Singh explained his artistic process: "I embroidered using cotton thread and depicted in my art the bond between Lord Hanuman and Lord Ram." His work beautifully captured this divine relationship through meticulous stitching.
- Ankita Verma presented a stunning piece featuring kaantha work on cotton fabric, portraying Lord Krishna playing the flute with Radha seated beside him holding a lotus. This piece exemplified how traditional techniques can bring mythological narratives to life.
- Khushi Keshri created an intricate jaal work featuring a peacock, skillfully using green and blue threads to achieve remarkable detail and color harmony.
- Ishita Sonkar took a personal approach with a batik print portrait of herself and her nephew, demonstrating how traditional dyeing techniques can be used for contemporary portraiture.
The Taana Baana exhibition successfully bridged the gap between traditional Indian textile arts and modern educational practices, providing Lucknow University students with a valuable platform to showcase their skills while contributing to the preservation of India's rich cultural heritage through embroidery and textile arts.
