Mysore:

Kirigami is well known as a Japanese art form involving paper. But, going by the claims of a Mandya-born artiste, the art of hand cutting designs on paper is a typical art of Mathura, which makes it an Indian traditional art.

Artist Syed Fakrudin Huseni said the traditional art was started in Mathura in the 14th century as per records. Many people are not familiar about its Indian name ‘Sanjhi’.” Motifs from Krishna’s stories are created on paper and used to decorate spaces during festive seasons. “It was also used for filling colours on the floor of temples or in front of houses,” he explains.

Huseni said he chanced upon the “Indian art” a decade ago while attending a camp. Someone introduced him to ‘Sanjhi’, after which he did a research by touring the state. Just like the images of Krishna, Huseni does images of Ganesha, birds and rangoli designs.

The traditional art also has a folk touch in Karnataka. According to him, the art is called by different names in the state. In Shimoga, it is called ‘Parapare’, while it is ‘Gejje Haara’ in Udupi. In Chamarajanagar and rural areas, people know the art as ‘chitra’ (design).

The 36-year-old artist has been travelling across the state for the past nine years to spread the good word about this “folk art”. “I want this art to be called Sanjhi, and not kirigami. Many people in Bangalore are interested to learn this, but they call it a Japanese art,” he said.

However, artist Thyagarajan Wesley begged to differ, saying Indians may have adopted the Japanese art form centuries ago. “As per the records that I have come across, the art forms involving paper cutting and paper folding were started by Japanese. It is their traditional art. Indians may have adopted that centuries ago.”

Till date, Huseni has visited 18 districts, which include Gulbarga, Dharwad, Chikmagalur, Hassan, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Ramanagaram and Mysore, to spread awareness on Sanjhi. He has conducted workshops for people, including children and senior citizens. He has exhibited his works in many places. But they differ from traditional Sanjhi style. He implements folk and contemporary designs in his works. That not only makes him unique, but also gives a different touch to the traditional art. Huseni hails from Shivanasamudra in Mandya district. He has been awarded with Mysore Dasara Award-1999.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Mysore / by Yashaswini  S N, TNN / September 11th, 2012