Dimapur, August 7 (MExN): On the 5th day of the Tribal Future Fest, Garo Designer Arak Sangma highlighted Garo culture through traditional clay art.
In his 30-minute online presentation, a press release informed that Sangma showcased his efforts to revive traditional clay art of the Garo Hills. In this session, Sangma explained how he brings to life the rich stories and oral traditions of the Garo community through his clay creations. He discussed the cultural significance of the art form, which has been passed down through generations as a way to connect with the land and express community identity.
Sangma shared his experiences and techniques of working with local clay, highlighting how he incorporates traditional motifs and stories into his designs.
He also discussed the importance of preserving and promoting this unique cultural practice in the modern world. He said the clay used as a canvas for his art is collected from an ancient site in the Garo Hills, where pottery is dated back to over 2000 years has been found.
Sangma handcrafted pieces by shaping clay to carving traditional symbols, and finally firing and framing them.
He paid close attention to how the materials react to the elements of earth, fire, and air. Some of his works use panels to tell a story, while others are detailed miniatures.
Arak Sangma studied fine arts and resides in Tura, Meghalaya. He is also the founder of A Kakki Studio.
The session was also attended by students and faculty members of the Ceramics Department of National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.
The month-long programme organised by the Tribal Design Forum is being observed in commemoration of World Indigenous Day through intellectual and creative discussions.
