'Know Your Artisan' exhibition by Kashmir Art Emporium shines spotlight on talented artists, honours diverse creativity

"Know Your Artisan" exhibition showcases local artisans' artistic brilliance, featuring inspiring stories of triumph over adversity.
Department of Handicrafts and Handloom organized a two-day exhibition at Kashmir Art Emporium, showcasing the artistic brilliance of local artisans under the "Know Your Artisan" initiative. The event aimed to promote artistic diversity and provide a platform for talented artists to showcase their exceptional craftsmanship. The highlight of the exhibition was the inspiring story of Mohammad Jibran, a 26-year-old artist from South Kashmir, who triumphed over adversity to become a beacon of creativity.
Paralyzed below the waist due to a tragic car accident six years ago, Jibran found solace and passion in Calligraphy and 3D art. With ingenuity, he used discarded materials like cardboard, pen refills, and wires to create stunning models that captured the imagination of visitors.
Jibran's art is not just about craftsmanship; it reflects his emotions and determination, making each piece more than just a mere creation. His journey to recovery and success was supported by his family and the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), which offered him a platform to display his talent and connect with potential buyers.
Another remarkable artist featured in the exhibition was Shabir A Bukhari, a calligraphist from North Kashmir, who showcased his awe-inspiring work of writing the Holy Quran by hand. Director, Handicrafts and Handloom, Mehmood Ahmad Shah, emphasized its importance in supporting local artists and promoting cultural heritage. He stated, "It helps us explore new markets, and by this, we are ensuring that our craft reaches places where it has not reached yet."
Mohammad Jibran's journey from tragedy to triumph and the platform provided by the Department Of Handicrafts and Handloom and MSME has been instrumental in his growth as an artist and entrepreneur. His father, Mohammad Yousuf, expressed his pride in his son's creations, and said, “What Jibran creates are not merely toys of trash, they reflect his toil and all the emotions he blends in them.”
ABOUT THE AUTHORAkanksha AgnihotriAkanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

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