About Us
Mamata Reddy’s name is synonymous with reviving the art of Kalamkari. She dedicated herself to the revival of the traditional hand painted Kalamkari and other declining crafts forms since over two decades. She hails from a modest, traditional and yet enterprising family in Tirupati, the world-famous temple town, in Andhra Pradesh.
In the late Eighties she visited Srikalahasti, the home for traditional Kalamkari art for many centuries, she was moved by the pathetic state of the once revered art and its exponents, wilting under neglect and dwindling patronage. The artisans had lost hope and resigned to their fate, as they found no takers for the art.
The biggest challenge was to bring back the scattered artisans, who had by then taken to farm labor, rolling beedies (a form of tobacco product) and other menial jobs for their livelihood. Skepticism and haplessness were the hurdles to convince the artisans to take up the kalamkari art as a profession, with a renewed interest. She started personally living among the artisan community and learning entire breadth of the traditional process of preparing the raw material, dying the fabric through various stages and the hand painting with the ‘Kalam’ the Bamboo quill to regain their confidence. Finally, her persistence has won their hearts and they obliged her efforts.
Over 100 artisan families are now celebrating the success story of revival of the traditional art form. The artisans, who were once living in thatched huts, have now acquired their modern homes, amenities and live with dignity and pride. This gave them the confidence to initiate their young educated children into this tradition of Kalamkari art. This truly is, a moment of triumph for Kalamkari tradition, as it lives on to be seen and cherished by our future generations.
Fondly called the “King of Kalamkari” by none other than world renowned fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukerjee; one would still find her as a compassionate and down to earth individual, untouched by her success. Persistent in pursuing the objective that is closest to her heart, Mamata owes her success to the undaunted support of her family and well-wishers besides the renewed faith and spirit of the traditional artisan community.
Mamata effortlessly unites the traditional textiles, motifs and weaves with simplicity and contemporary design. Fascinating us with her work for over two decades, Mamata's innovative and seamless designs not only impressed Indian audiences but have won applause from international connoisseurs as well.