Thought behind the thought:
While rummaging through some old photographs I came across this one.
She was sitting on a little platform outside her house in a sleepy town between Manali and Rohtang Pass. The entire landscape around her was cold and colourless. The colours on and around her made her stand out like a cherry atop creamy white frosting. I began to wonder does landscape influence art? Is the lack of colour or monotone the reason for creating colourful art? The dull sand dunes of Rajasthan and the monotonous white mountains of North India have given us some of our most vibrant and colourful traditional arts. The same applies to other parts of the world. Colour brings life and vibrancy to the lives of people living these dull, tough and remote places.
About the Art:
The Tibetan art has always intrigued me. The way colour is woven into garments, handicrafts and houses is almost magical. Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre in Darjeeling, India is a rehabilitation Centre for the Tibetan refugees. It was established in 1st October 1959, after they followed Dalai Lama and escaped from Tibet. The production of Tibetan handicraft is the centre's main activity. It is situated at Lebong and locally known as the Hermitage. Mr. Gyalo Thondup, who was the one of the founding members, started this centre from funds raised from local charity. The centre started with four workers and now as about 130 families as a part of it. The centre allows you to gain insight into the lifestyle of these refugees, who earn their livelihood by selling their art. Tibetan craftsmen make exquisite handicraft items that are sold at the shop in the centre. This provides them with a livelihood and makes them self sufficient.
Dyed wool
The carpet making section
Colourful products on sale at the store
Credits:
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