TRIBAL THEM TRIBAL YOU

Project Details

THEME : Tribal Art

CATEGORY: Winter School

COLLABORATOR: CEPT + ETSAM

DATE: December 2016

India is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, ancient architecture, and diverse traditions. However, there exists a lesser-known yet immensely valuable aspect of the country's heritage - the traditional handicrafts of its tribal communities.

These tribes have preserved their unique cultures, art forms, and skills through the practice of handicrafts, which include textile sewing, clay pottery, bamboo art, paintings, and more.

This workshop was conceived to delve into this fascinating realm, aiming to explore the various nature and types of tribal and traditional handicrafts.

Beyond mere exploration, the workshop also sought to propose interventions and innovative design models that could enhance the accessibility and visibility of these crafts while maintaining their authenticity.

working with local communities of Madya Pradesh

The workshop unfolded over a span of 15 days, during which participants embarked on an immersive journey into the heart of tribal communities in the tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh. This provided a unique opportunity to directly interact with artisans and craftsmen, gaining invaluable insights into their techniques, traditions, and way of life. These interactions not only facilitated hands-on learning but also fostered a deep understanding of the significance of each craft within the cultural fabric of the communities.

The participants engaged in a diverse range of craft practices, guided by skilled artisans. They delved into textiles and fabric weaving, bamboo woodwork, clay pottery, mural painting, stone carving, and the intricate art of paper cutting. Each craft was a window into the history, stories, and artistic expressions of the tribal communities. The workshop wasn't just about skill acquisition; it was about immersing oneself in a way of life that had been passed down through generations.

The journey extended beyond the craft-making process. It involved visits to local markets, interactions with community members, and experiencing the rhythms of everyday life. These experiences not only enriched participants' understanding of the crafts but also fostered a deep connection with the communities themselves.

Upon returning to CEPT University, the participants began the next phase of the workshop - the translation of their experiences into meaningful design interventions. The aim was to develop contemporary adaptations of these traditional crafts that could resonate with modern contexts and lifestyles while retaining the essence of their origin. This phase involved ideation, design development, and collaboration with mentors who provided guidance on merging tradition with innovation.

The workshop concluded with an exhibition that showcased the participants' creative interventions. This exhibition not only celebrated the culmination of their journey but also served as a platform to initiate a broader conversation about the role of traditional handicrafts in a rapidly changing world. The participants' works were a testament to the harmonious blending of heritage and modernity, and a reminder of the potential of craft as a bridge between cultures, generations, and communities.

In summary, this workshop was a transformative experience that went beyond learning craft techniques; it was an immersion into the soul of India's tribal communities, an exploration of their rich traditions, and an exploration of how their crafts could continue to thrive in the contemporary world.

CEPT SWS EXHIBITION

THE PITHORA'S TIMELAPSE

Students and professors collaborated with tribal artists on a Pithora composition situated at the entrance of a primary school in the village of Kathiwada, located 80 km away from Jabhua, Madhya Pradesh.

Pithora paintings are emblematic of the culture of the Rathwa tribe residing in the heartlands on the border of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Uninfluenced by modern culture, the Rathwas depict the marriage procession of their god Pithora with Pithori in these paintings. This ritual is believed to grant their wishes for the healing of illnesses or any other misfortunes in the family. Pithora paintings are renowned for bringing happiness, peace, and prosperity.

During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to grasp the local techniques, composition patterns, and tonal variations intrinsic to Pithora art. They skillfully amalgamated the traditional scenes depicted in Pithora paintings with a contemporary ambiance, resulting in a vibrant mosaic of colors that embodies a compelling dialogue between the old and the new. Benny Hill's theme added a touch of humor to the proceedings, offering a lighthearted perspective.