Jammu: A unique exhibition showcasing paper Aari art by renowned artist Ritu Gupta is attracting visitors at Jammu Kala Kendra’s Sansar Chand Gallery, where more than 50 innovative artworks have been put on display.
The exhibition, which began on Saturday and will continue till June 5, features intricate Aari embroidery created on paper — a rare and challenging art form that Gupta claims is being showcased for the first time on such a scale.
A digital artist and practitioner of Aari art, Gupta said she started working on the medium in 2014 after drawing inspiration from her mother and learning the craft under her mentor Amrit Kaur in Ludhiana, Punjab. She has received the first prize in hand embroidery at the Jammu and Kashmir UT Annual Artisan Award-2024 for her mastery of Aari hand embroidery
“Embroidering on paper is extremely difficult and requires immense patience, precision and dedication. Through this exhibition, I want people to experience a form of art they may not have seen before in India,” Gupta said.
The exhibition includes portraits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Mahatma Gandhi and Shaheed Bhagat Singh, besides depictions of wildlife and nature-inspired themes.
Gupta has also experimented with embroidery on leaves, adding another dimension to her work.
She said the art form incorporates beads, seashells, stones and other decorative materials. It is her belief that creative pursuits can help steer youth away from drug abuse and depression.
“Art gave me strength during a difficult phase of my life and helped me overcome depression. I believe engaging in creative activities can provide a positive direction to young people,” she said.
Kala Kendra director Javaid Rahi said the institution has always encouraged innovative artistic expressions and decided to host Gupta’s exhibition because of its uniqueness.
“She has used beads, Aari embroidery, needles and paper to create remarkable artworks. This is a distinctive form of art that has not been seen in Jammu before. Visitors, including government officials, have highly appreciated the exhibition,” Rahi said.
He said Kala Kendra is also planning to organise workshops in collaboration with Gupta to introduce the art form to younger generations and help preserve and promote the craft.
The exhibition has received an encouraging response from visitors, with art enthusiasts praising the creativity, craftsmanship and originality of the works on display.
