An exhibition showcases rare masterpieces of Himachali folk art from the collection of late artist KC Aryan | Lifestyle News, The Indian Express

An exhibition showcases rare masterpieces of Himachali folk art from the collection of late artist KC Aryan | Lifestyle News, The Indian Express

Written by Divya A |Updated: June 25, 2019 8:49:55 am

An exhibition showcases rare masterpieces of Himachali folk art from the collection of late artist KC Aryan

BN Aryan says Himachal is a rare state, which “has vastly unexplored treasures.” He recalls finding a wood carving of a lion, lying abandoned outside a temple in Kalpa, when he travelled in the region in the mid ’80s.

BN Aryan. (Express phot: Divya A)

More than two decades ago, a collection of bronze and copper idols was about to be melted in Kangra’s metal market, to be turned into door handles and other hardware. Fortunately, historian and art collector KC Aryan, who was living in the neighbouring Palampur, got wind of this and bought the idols from the shopkeeper. These became part of his personal collection of rare artworks from Himachal Pradesh, which include folk masks, wooden carvings, pahadi roomal, mohra and miniature paintings — all of which were created by unknown artisans and craftsmen. After his death, his Gurgaon home was turned into a private museum for these masterpieces, now called “Home of Folk Art”.