Astitva 2025

THE COLLECTIVE

It exists to be witnessed, to be walked alongside.
To slow down the eye. To restore the hand.
To remind the world that to live with care is itself an art.
An emergence, from the breath between two silences
where craft met consciousness, and memory met matter.
An emergence, at the intersection of art and thought
Existence, because the world forgot.
Forgot the soil beneath its feet,
the rhythm of its breath, the labour behind its luxury.
Forgot that to create is not to produce
Instead, to remember, to listen, to honour.

THE LANGUAGE OF FORM

Takshni explores how shape, texture, and material express meaning. This language of form draws from ancient philosophies and invites presence, perception, and emotional connection with each carefully crafted piece.

NOTES FROM THE KASBAS

panchabhutas

Uttar Pradesh

In Moradabad workshops, sand-casting transforms molten brass into everyday ritual objects: lamps, vessels, plates. Artisans rake sand by hand, place molds, and pour metal with steady hands. Heat and earth meet to create objects that hold oil, food, light, even stories. The process is communal and rooted in rhythm. When the brass cools, artisans file and finish each form until it gleams with ritual warmth.

Artists do not merely shape these objects; they summon memory from dust. Fine sand, moistened and packed into wooden molds, cradles the negative of what is to be born. Molten brass, glowing like a miniature sun, is poured with meditative precision, filling the hollows with heat and potential. Once cooled, the sand is broken, revealing a rough form that is then filed, polished, and coaxed into its final shimmer. Each piece carries the imprint of Moradabad’s patient rhythm of hands that remember more than machines ever will, and of a city where casting in sand is not just a technique, but a ritual of transformation.

lotuspondbrasswallartwork

Uttar Pradesh

The visit to the Taj Mahal revealed not just its scale but the near-invisible intricacy of pachhekari, a form of marble inlay using semi-precious stones. This encounter led to deeper inquiry into the lives of the artisans behind it, many of whom remain unnamed despite their extraordinary craftsmanship. These Muslim artisan families, who have passed down the skill through generations, work in obscurity under exploitative middlemen and with little visibility beyond the souvenir trade.

Their children often choose to abandon the craft, not because it lacks beauty, but due to the absence of dignity and financial security. Among them, those practicing pachhekari in its finest, most delicate form are fading rapidly, as the technique is slow, fragile, and commercially unviable. The question arose: can this skill be moved beyond decorative objects into sculptures, installations, and public art? Reviving this tradition is not about preserving a relic but reimagining its place in the world; both the craft and the lives it holds deserve to be seen.

homepage sculpture

Chhattisgarh

The journey to Bastar began with curiosity and a name, and became a lifelong relationship with a place and its people. Drawn first to dokra metal casting during design studies, the trip to Chhattisgarh uncovered a practice that was communal, tactile, and powerfully rooted. Bastar was quiet, raw, and deeply alive. The artisans there live simply but with immense creative dignity. In village after village, one introduction led to another; homes became studios, and strangers became collaborators.

National awardees like Bhupendra Baghel and Ramchuran Poyam practiced their art with humility, surrounded by forests and tradition. Over time, that trust led to the building of a foundry in Gurgaon, with artisans who left their homes to co-create something new. This collaboration did not emerge from outreach but from shared respect and presence. Every piece made today carries not just skill, but memory, risk, and a belief that tradition does not have to remain still; it can travel, evolve, and be held together.

panchabhutas

Kashmir

Meeting Riyaz ji in Delhi led to a deeper encounter with kalamdani, the traditional papier-mâché craft of Kashmir. Through his gentle storytelling, the craft revealed itself as something much more than surface decoration. Traveling to Kashmir, guided by his invitation, opened up homes and workshops where artisans quietly sustain generations of tradition.

From walnut wood carving to hand-painting to embroidery, every act carried grace and history. The people welcomed without hesitation; tea, meals, and laughter were shared with a generosity that needed no translation. In sunlit rooms, women embroidered and spun yarn, holding time in their hands. These objects, often dismissed as souvenirs, became reminders of warmth, resilience, and place. They were not ornaments; they were offerings. The carved walnut and painted pieces now held in memory were not just gifts; they are Kashmir itself, living in gesture and detail, preserved by those who choose patience over spectacle, and care over visibility.

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

Art extends beyond the frame, weaving itself into gatherings and conversations. Whether through immersive exhibitions or shared evenings, something is always taking shape—together, as a collective

CHOOSE YOUR WAY

Some pieces are ready to find you. Others wait to be shaped by your story. And some begin from scratch, maybe just an idea or a feeling? Choose what feels right for you!

CATALOGUE

Discover the World of Takshni.

At Takshni, each creation is a journey of concept, craft, and emotion. We invite you to explore our curated catalogues tailored to different realms of artistic expression. Whether you're drawn to our signature Artworks & Sculptures , seeking immersive experiences through Installations , or wish to browse our Collections , our catalogues offer a deeper look into the philosophy, materiality, and vision behind every piece. Fill out the form below to receive the catalogue that speaks to your space, sensibilities, and story.

REQUEST

At Takshni, art isn’t created to challenge—it’s created to embrace and accept. It seeks to restore, revive, and preserve, with the intention of reconnecting you
to your roots. Instead of breaking boundaries, it invites quiet introspection. It isn’t fueled by rebellion or the pursuit of novelty, but by a gentle urge to slow down,
nurture gratitude, and foster a deeper connection with the world around us.

Richa Uppal / Founder

CONCEPT TO CRAFTMANSHIP