New Delhi, July 13: An Australian artist and a master metal craftsman from India have jointly organized an exhibition to celebrate the centuries-old metal craft tradition. This exhibition also highlights the strengthening cultural ties between India and Australia.
The exhibition, titled ‘Analog and Alchemy,’ features Australian artist Elliot Bastianon and Punjab’s master metal craftsman Hari Krishna. It showcases a unique blend of modern sculpture and the UNESCO-recognized ‘Thatheras’ metal craft tradition, where handcrafted copper and brass utensils are created.
Elliot Bastianon, residing in New Delhi, is known for creating unique artworks from metal. He constructs wall-mounted and freestanding sculptures by combining multiple shapes of the same metal, which he then enhances with a special electroplating technique to give them a rock-like strength and appealing texture.
In this exhibition, he collaborates with Hari Krishna, whose family has been practicing the traditional art of handcrafting copper and brass utensils for over 200 years.
This partnership illustrates how traditional art and new ideas can merge to create fresh artistic expressions, while also aiding in the preservation of crafts that are on the brink of extinction.
The exhibition exemplifies the strengthening cultural relationships between India and Australia, conveying the message that artists from both countries can work together to preserve cultural heritage while also directing modern art in new ways.
The Australian High Commission in India stated on Instagram, “Innovation is at its best when tradition and modernity come together. Australian artist Elliot Bastianon and Punjab’s master metal craftsman Hari Krishna have presented modern sculpture alongside the UNESCO-recognized Thatheras craft through the ‘Analog and Alchemy’ exhibition.”
The High Commission added, “This partnership is not just limited to beautiful artworks but also preserves a rare metal craft tradition that has been passed down through generations in North India. It is an excellent example of international creative collaboration that promotes the preservation of cultural heritage while also fostering new artistic possibilities, reflecting the strengthening cultural ties between India and Australia.”
According to UNESCO, the traditional art of the Thathera community in Jandiala Guru, Punjab, involves a special technique for making copper and brass utensils. The copper, brass, and other alloys used are also considered beneficial for health.
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