Wednesday, 31 August 2022

International Indian Folk Art Gallery

Mr TARLAMIS (South Eastern Metropolitan) (10:02): I recently had the honour of opening the magnificent endangered folk arts of India exhibition at the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs. This impressive exhibition featured around 80 unique artefacts from all over the Indian subcontinent, including the largest collection of Tanjore paintings, and was organised by the International Indian Folk Art Gallery. I want to acknowledge the tireless work of Senthil Vel and his wife, Rathna, who founded the gallery in 2020 to raise awareness of the endangered Indian folk arts as well as to build a cross-cultural connection with Australian art lovers. Their passion and dedication, driven by their concern over the disappearing indigenous folk arts of India, some of which are on the verge of extinction, is what has inspired their tireless work.

There are over 50 traditional folk arts indigenous to India, each style distinct and originating from various states across the country. Some of these traditional arts date back over 3000 years, and their survival has been dependent on small communities passing knowledge down from generation to generation. Art in all its forms can be powerful. It can empower, educate, inspire and motivate as well as evoke feelings of both joy and sadness. It not only has the ability to capture an artist’s thoughts and feelings at a particular moment in time but can convey important cultural stories and traditions that have been passed on for generations. Exhibitions like this ensure that these important arts are not lost forever and are enjoyed by new audiences. It is important that we encourage the continued learning and passing on of the techniques to create such masterpieces so they can endure for future generations, keeping culture and traditions alive. Thanks again to Senthil, Rathna and the International Indian Folk Art Gallery and their volunteers and supporters for this important work.