Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 20: As part of the Handicraft Department’s ‘Know Your Artisan’ initiative, master wood carving artisan Ghulam Nabi Zargar showcased his exquisite work at the Kashmir Arts Emporium today.
The exhibition was attended by Mahmood Shah, Director of Handicrafts Kashmir, and several other art enthusiasts.
The participants took a keen interest in understanding the complexities and creativity behind Zargar’s work, a 67-year-old from the Khanyar area of Srinagar’s old city.
“The exhibition is part of our ‘Know Your Artisan’ initiative. We requested him to display his work, and he readily agreed. I met him earlier and saw the Dal scene he carved, which was amazing and prompted us to urge him to attend the exhibition and showcase his work,” Shah told reporters.
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He added that the Department has been striving to bring such craftsmen to the forefront and allow them to present their work directly to the general public, who are often unaware of these skilled individuals.
“People do not usually know such artisans, and we have been trying to promote them over the last few years to bring their work out for everyone to see,” he said.
The Director emphasized that the Department wants people to be directly in touch with craftsmen like Zargar, noting that there is much to see at his workshop from what he has created over the years.
He further stated that with tags such as UNESCO Creative City or World Craft City, the focus is back on the craft, and the administration is doing everything to empower the craftsmen.
Zargar commented that such initiatives take the craft to a global level and help eliminate middlemen by connecting buyers directly with artisans.
“The Government should set up centers to teach wood carving skills; this will attract youngsters and promote this craft,” he said.
The exhibition also attracted some tourists, who were mesmerized by Zargar’s art pieces.
Paroma from Chandigarh said, “Kashmir, apart from its beauty, also has a rich handicraft culture; the work is intricate, and people must see this. It was something unseen that we have seen today.”
It is worth noting that ‘Excelsior’ had earlier reported on the work of Zargar, capturing Kashmir’s essence in intricate designs.
Recently, he unveiled his masterpiece: a meticulously carved wooden table that intricately portrays the plight of Dal Lake and the history of the Amarnath cave shrine, providing a glimpse into his five decades of experience and unparalleled craftsmanship.
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