Some of India’s top ceramic artists and studio potters are exhibiting their work at a group show, ‘Tiles Forever’ being held at India Habitat Centre from the 16th of November.

A spectacular show; Delhi Blue Pottery  is this time hosting almost 70 artists from across India!

More information on how to get to the ceramic art exhibition at the India Habitat Centre here: http://www.buzzintown.com/delhi/event–tiles-forever-group-art-exhibition/id–690878.html

 

Day 1

The artists are setting up their works; the chaos, mess and excitement is all quite exhilirating! There are almost 70 studio potters and ceramic artists from across India- Delhi, Gurgaon, Calcutta, Mumbai, Bangalore…

 

Later into the show, the final setting…

 

Day 2

Molela potters of Rajasthan demonstrate their beautiful art form at the India Habitat Centre as part of the “Tiles Forever” show.

Molela potters are know for their terracotta plaques that depict votive images of Gods. We watched this morning how skillfully this potter moulded away to create a beautiful image of goddess Kali on her vaahan.

The religious plaques are completely handmade in terracotta clay which fires to a rusty brown colour.  Earlier these plaques of Goad and Goddesses were essentially purchased by local tribes and communities who worshipped these gods. The Molela potters have now diversified their art and moved on to making decorative friezes as well.  This has increased the scope of their art which will hopefully encourage younger generations of the Molela potters to take it forward and prevent it from dying.

Day 3

Inspired by the “Tiles Forever” show, I explore the history of the Delhi Blue Ceramic Tiles.

(click on the image to view a larger size)

The blue ceramic tiles seen here at one of the gates of Humayun’s tomb were brought to India by the Persians while building this 16th century structure. Similar tiles were later used at several other Mughal structures around Delhi. When the British came, they christened this unique bright blue as “Delhi Blue” and the name has stuck on since then.

(click on the image to view a larger size)

Ceramic tiles embellish the chatri at the main tomb structure.

 

Resting in peace forever under a tree with only the sounds of chirping birds and flowing water.

at Humayun’s tomb, New Delhi.

Getting to Humayun’s Tomb: JLN Stadium is the nearest metro station, about a 10 min walk away.

My work at the Tiles Forever Ceramic Art Show:
“The Last Sigh”

Wall-mounted ceramic mural (stoneware)