Hyderabad: Unique fairs showcase women's talents

Darulshifa: The Salar Jung Museum became a venue for two different shows being organised by women as part of the International Women's Day celebrations. Besides the three-day show 'Blooms and Looms', a painting exhibition highlighting the role of women in society is to continue till March 20.

The shows were inaugurated by Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan at Salar Jung Museum on Saturday. According to organisers, 'Blooms and Looms', a novel exhibition combines two themes, gentle art of Ikebana, a Japanese flowering arrangement, and the magic of Indian drapes.

The exhibition juxtaposes two art forms from different countries. Just like centuries old Indian saree making, 'Ikebana' or 'Blooms' uses colours of different flowers of many textures including props like statues, vessels, containers, stems and creepers. The Indian saree has an equally amazing variety in its repertoire of category, weaves and finishes, including the use of pure gold and silver threads as seen in many heritage collections across museums.

This exhibition depicts a saree and a corresponding Ikebana representation. It is for the nature lover, artists, weavers, designers, poet, philosopher, museum visitor, academic and the general viewer to discover the creativity in each exhibit. The 'Looms' cover sarees, India's eternal drape which looks beautiful on any woman is further brought to life on International Women's Day 2020. A variety of sarees from across the nation including Benaras, Kanjeevaram, Dharmavaram, Bandhani, Kalamkari, Jamdani, Parsi Gara, Chettinad Silk, Kasuti, Venkatagiri, Linen, Muga Silk, Bengal Tant, Kutchi-Sindhi embroidery among many others. Narayanpet, Kantha embroidery, Tussar Silk, Gadwal and Sambalpuri also find a place in the symphony of arts.

While the exhibition of paintings curated by women artists is being organised at Western Block's 2nd floor with creative pieces. The works produced by women at an Art Camp organised recently at Chitramayee State Gallery of Art, Hyderabad is being organised in collaboration with the State Gallery of Art and Hyderabad Art Society. The exhibition features the paintings, sculptures and installations.