Reviving the Heritage || ALG-O-Rhythm

Reviving the Heritage

Writer: Shantanu Shinde
Ishaan's Instagram handle: instagram.com/ishankshirsagar

India is a land of unique and diverse art & cultural heritage. Right from civilisations on the Indus banks, to the old houses and mansions we see on the old city streets, India’s journey is fascinating. However, with the heritage, there comes a great responsibility to preserve it and educate about the same to our fellow humans. 

Recently, I spoke with Ishaan Kshirsagar about his new project called ‘Mohar’. 

Ishaan Kshirsagar is an artist from Pune. He completed his formal education from Abhinav Art College, Pune in the year 2011. He has worked in field of branding and designing for 3 years. And for past 7 to 8 years, he is working as freelance painting artist and graphic designer.

When old houses, mansions and similar structures are demolished for modernization, antique wood carvings, motifs, decorative metal pieces, wall pieces etc, gets destroyed and lost. These motifs are part of our art heritage. When old houses and mansions were built, they were designed and decorated by architects and artists that were contemporary to the particular region and era. Several historical invasions and constant changes in reigns made India the most diverse place in terms of art, culture, architecture, etc. Motifs from same era and region have few things in common, but still, each motif are totally unique in itself. As an artist, Ishaan felt that something needs to be done to preserve the forgotten art heritage.

Hence, he started searching for such antique pieces. As the word ‘antique’ defines, each piece and motif he collects are at least 100 to maximum 250 years old. He collects these authentic antique pieces from antique markets of Pune, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, etc., makes sure they are durable enough to be used and refurbishes them into a product that has a purpose and intended use. His collection also includes old designer doors, window arcs, variety of ceiling panels, wall panels, etc. Not only wood, but he also collects brass and copper pieces. He is open for most of the antique pieces that are available thus giving him the options and flexibility to imagine a product and complete it.

All of this started recently when Ishaan designed the interior of his friend’s house. He used some antique pieces and motifs in the designing. And later when he designed some objects from the leftover antiques and posted photos on social media, everybody liked it and this sparked up the endeavour. 

He always insists, “What I do is not conservation. Conservation means to retain a piece in its state. I refurbish the motifs, cut, clean, polish and make usable things out of it.”

“I make products like deware, ganesh pattis, wall pieces, lamp stands, key holders, etc.”, says Ishaan. “This is an evolving process. As much possible, I will get engaged in this initiative and I shall evolve as an artist and the products will expand further”. The wooden pieces, especially that are exposed to various type of climates for quite a long time, are seasoned and sturdy. These products, if created with care, are very durable. If taken proper care, these products can last for generations. 

When asked why he does it? Ishaan explains that as a part of this country and its heritage, it is our duty to preserve the heritage and educate about it to the people we can reach. And he is doing as much possible. He believes that instead of blaming people for being ignorant of their heritage, he should educate them and show them what an authentic antique is and how amazing it is. He believes that everyone should be proud of their heritage. He feels, everyone who has an antique motif should be proud that they have a fragment of history with them. These are type of products, he says, that anyone can own and pass on to their new generation. 

He ensures his products are affordable so that anyone can purchase these and have a tiny part of heritage in their home itself.

Making and storing such items need a lot of space. He says in future he would consider to rent a studio, where he could create, store and display his products.