As the bright lights of Indian cinema illuminate the lives of millions of fans, one entrepreneur is taking a 500-year-old art from Kerala – and bringing it to the mainstream. Through the vision of this passionate individual, this timeless artistry is receiving the recognition it deserves, thanks to the support of prominent movie stars. Get to know the story behind this amazing success, in this article.
1. Preserving a 500-Year-Old Art Form: The Story of an Intrepid Entrepreneur
For five centuries, the small-scale production of a traditional fabric called Kuba cloth has endured in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Once widely used across the region, Kuba cloth has suffered from a lack of patronage and financial resources as other competing fabrics flooded the market. But, thanks to the efforts of an intrepid entrepreneur, Kuba cloth is making a comeback!
Tatiana Kitenge, a designer from the DRC, is passionate about preserving the nearly forgotten art form. Realizing the potential of its traditional fabrics and the importance of preserving them, she founded her own company, Kuba Cloth Konnection. She is training local Kuba embroiderers—many of them women—to make and market their work. Kitenge’s training provides the embroiderers with an income while they are encouraged to continue using and preserving their traditional forms and techniques.
- Kitenge is reviving an age-old practice
- She is creating job opportunities for people in the local community
- The embroiderers are given the support and resources necessary to continue their craft
By investing in the skills and talent of artisans in the DRC, Kitenge is invigorating her country’s cultural heritage and preserving a 500-year-old art form for future generations.
2. Harnessing the Power of Fandom: How One Man Brought an Ancient Art to a Wider Audience
The term ‘fandom’ is often associated with comics, films and TV shows, but it can also be used to refer to devotion to a certain art form. One man, Afam Ude, is a perfect example of turning a beloved craft into a viral sensation.
Ude is an expert in Igbo art, an ancient type of art hailing from Nigeria. Over the past decade, Ude has brought this form of art to the wider world through the power of fandom. He began by gathering a following on social media, gradually increasing the reach of his work while emphasizing the underlying cultural values of Igbo art.
Ude’s passion for Igbo art has manifested in various innovative ways. He:
- Organised exhibitions of Igbo art across the world, displaying it in modern and traditional settings
- Created a line of clothing inspired by traditional Igbo designs
- Published a series of books to introduce newcomers to the history and importance of Igbo art
- Captured the imagination of thousands across the globe, inspiring them to explore art from areas they have never before seen
Ude’s amazing journey shows us the potential of combining old with new. With the help of his growing fan base, Afam Ude is introducing audiences from all over the world to the beauty of Igbo art.
3. An Exercise in Cultural Conversation: Exploring the Enduring Relevance of Kerala’s Traditional Art Scene
Kerala, India, is well known for its traditional art scene that has been kept alive and relevant for centuries. Here are few examples of Kerala’s art forms that remain an integral part of the state’s cultural landscape.
- Kathakali: This form of dance-drama is performed by wearing intricately decorated masks and vibrant costumes. The performers then act out various stories and plays with hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements.
- Mudiyett: A vibrant art form portraying a blend of ancient myths, folk tales, and spiritual stories, this tradition consists of plays performed in a specific style.
- Kalaripayattu: This is an ancient Indian martial art form believed to have originated in Kerala. With its precise, graceful movements, this form of martial art is both highly spiritual and athletic.
- Theyyam: This is one of the most colourful and vibrant art forms of Kerala portraying stories of gods and goddesses. The artistes are beautifully adorned in colourful costumes and decorations and perform in trance-like states.
These forms of art have been around for centuries, but remain just as relevant today. They have a strong mass appeal and demand and have even inspired upcoming generations, who are now creating new forms of art in Kerala inspired by the old, traditional ones.
4. Reaching Beyond the Usual: How the Art of Tactile Embroidery is Spread Far and Wide
Tactile embroidery has spread far and wide thanks to a few crafty makers and weavers who are determined to promote the unique and visually pleasing art-form. From intricate hand-stitched wall hangings to beautiful garments, this craft is ever-evolving as its practitioners find new ways and techniques to further enrich their creations. Here are some of the ways tactile embroidery has ascended into the hearts and minds of enthusiasts around the world:
- Online Resources: Companies like YouTube and Etsy have allowed tactile embroiderers from all over the globe to showcase their craft and share their skills with others. The vast and continuously growing online community provides tips, tricks, and inspiration for both new and seasoned embroiders who are looking to expand their skillset.
- Networking Events: Join-in sessions are often organised by companies and professional embroiderers who are passionate about bridging the distance between creative minds. Gatherings like these allow like-minded individuals to exchange ideas, collaborate, and spread the knowledge and love of tactile embroidery.
Trade Shows: From small boutiques and local markets to huge international conventions, trade shows are an incredibly efficient way to spread the love and appreciation of tactile embroidery. Professional and amateur embroiders alike can join together and present their work to the world. This is a great opportunity to encourage new people to embark on the tactile embroidery journey.
For centuries, this art form has captivated audiences and enriched lives. These days, with the support of some of the biggest names in movie stars, this art form is being brought back to life, thanks to one enterprising Kerala enthusiast. Through his efforts, the ancient heritage of Kerala art is finding a new resurgence, and it remains to be seen just how far this renaissance will go.
