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An online app bridges the gap between master folk artisans across India and audiences using simple experiential courses, immersive tech and fun book applications
A view of the advanced exercise books. Pics Courtesy/coutRooftop
Museums can be uninspiring spaces for children, especially when it comes to art. Yet, it is all about zoning in. A walk down to the museum shop at Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum might introduce you to the book of Folk Cards — a series of DIY postcards based on India’s tribal and folk arts like Phad, Bhil Pichwai or Gond. Designed by Rooftop, the book is a simple introduction to folk art form for children using colour-between-the-lines exercises.
Museums can be uninspiring spaces for children, especially when it comes to art. Yet, it is all about zoning in. A walk down to the museum shop at Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum might introduce you to the book of Folk Cards — a series of DIY postcards based on India’s tribal and folk arts like Phad, Bhil Pichwai or Gond. Designed by Rooftop, the book is a simple introduction to folk art form for children using colour-between-the-lines exercises.
“The idea was to take Indian art forms beyond their limited niche to a larger audience,” shares founder Kartik Gaggar. The book itself evolved from a journey that began in 2017. It was not until 2019, when the founder established Rajasthan Studio to build experiences where visitors could travel to artisan villages, spend time with the artists and co-create with them at close quarters.
A Mata ni Pachedi art work by Chandrakant Chitara (right) A Phad illustration by Kalyan Joshi. Pics/Satej Shinde
The COVID-19 pandemic offered them a chance to shift online, and transform it into the app, Rooftop. With a network of over 2100 artisans, the app acted as a bridge between the artist community and an audience perennially online. “The books were an evolution of the course experience. Many participants shared that they would like material to practice on. So, we decided to create the books that were accessible,” shares Gaggar, an alumnus of RA Podar College. The participation is also mutually beneficial for the folk artists who find their work popularised without having to lose agency.
Kartik Gaggar
The small, notepad-sized DIY book is designed in a simple, child-friendly format. However, the art works highlighted include some prominent names in folk art from Kalyan Joshi (Phad) to Bhuri Bai (Bhil) and Chandrakant Chitara (Mata Ni Pachedi) among others. Children and adults can colour these postcards and send them as personalised mementos. The exercise also proves quite handy as a mindfulness project for those looking to switch off from the digital world. Gaggar admits that quite a few parents have opted for it as a solution to wean their children away from the digital world.
A view of the cover of the DIY book
Designed in Elementary, Essential and Expert formats, the books cater to varied degrees of art enthusiasts. The founder adds, “We also have designed art courses where residents in Mumbai and the suburbs can avail of personal tutorials with the artists at home. The idea is to build an awareness of the rich heritage and tradition that is often hidden away in museums.”
AT Museum Shop, Dr Bhau
Daji Lad Museum, Rani Baug, Dr Ambedkar Road, Byculla West.
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