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Elemental 2.0: Four Years of Artisan Co-Creation
22 Feb
Summary
- Exhibition highlights artisans as co-creators, not just workers.
- The Elemental 2.0 exhibition was developed over four years.
- Craftsmanship is valued over mass production and market logic.
National Award-winning designer Sunetra Lahiri's exhibition, Elemental 2.0, champions the profound value of handcraft in an era of rapid mechanization. The exhibition, a four-year endeavor, deliberately foregrounds the intricate labor, the meticulous process, and the essential role of artisans as co-creators. Lahiri emphasizes that her work is driven by a commitment to legacy, with each piece beginning from scratch rather than through mass production.
The exhibition is brought to life by a dedicated team of three artisans who have collaborated with Lahiri for over two decades. This enduring partnership is central to her philosophy, which honors craft, nature, and the artisan. The artisans themselves express pride in their work, highlighting the continuous updating of handcraft techniques and the immense time and detail required for each piece, asserting that machines cannot replicate this living art form.
Elemental 2.0 has resonated with visitors who appreciate the technical depth and craftsmanship. Attendees described the show as a vital reminder of the enduring power of sustained hand practice, especially as artisan networks face decline. By centering the voices of makers and artisans, the exhibition advocates for the continuity of craft, emphasizing that it thrives where human skill, time, and dignity are deeply respected and valued.
