SRINAGAR: In a vibrant display of skill and creativity, ten distinguished artists are set to “revive” the “fading art” of Kashmiri Pashmina with the launch of The Grand Pashmina Ehsaas, an online exhibition that commenced on December 23, 2023, at 6:30 pm, a statement issued by the initiative said.
Departing from the stereotypical portrayal of artists from the 1980s, these artists are reshaping contemporary fashion and infusing a sense of royalty into the Kashmir fabric. The exhibition not only showcases their mastery but also takes a bold step in positioning them as torchbearers for the nation’s cultural heritage.
The artists aim to bring the spotlight onto the traditional art of Pashmina craftsmanship. By emphasising the pivotal role of karigars and weavers, they underscore the essence of preserving cultural roots in adversity.
The initiative aligns with the Make in India ideology promoted by the Prime Minister, advocating for India’s global recognition in weaving its historic cultural narrative.
The artists who came together for the initiative include Prof Niren Sengupta, Shridhar Iyer, Niladri Paul, Gagan Vij, Priyendra Shukla, Vimmi Indra, Sonali Durga Chaudhari, Anki Bhutia, Durga Kainthola, and Manisha Gawade herself converge digitally, celebrating the exquisite craftsmanship and rich heritage of Kashmiri Pashmina.
The Ehsaas initiative, born in 2012 from the vision of Manisha Gawade and her late sister Dr Alka Raghuvanshi, has empowered countless artists across various disciplines. Notably, Ehsaas spearheaded the first-ever wearable art installation named Ehsaas, solidifying its position as a champion of artistic innovation.
Pashmina, often called the “soft gold” of textiles, boasts a rich lineage derived from the fleece of Changthangi goats native to Ladakh. Its intricate history dates back to the fifteenth century. Intricately woven like its fabric, Kashmiri Pashmina, lauded by UNESCO, narrates a vibrant history of cultural dialogues that have enriched the region’s artistic landscape.
