In the beautiful valleys of Srinagar lives a man whose hands can transform simple recycled paper into magical works of art. Riyaz Ahmed Khan, a papier-mache artist who has been dedicating his life to this traditional Kashmiri craft for the past 40 years. His journey started when he was studying in eighth standard, learning the delicate art from his elder brother. While other children were busy playing, young Riyaz would come home from school and spend two hours daily perfecting his craft. He never let his studies suffer, though, managing both education and art with equal passion.
What makes Riyaz’s story truly inspiring is his unwavering dedication. He didn’t just learn the art for a hobby – he embraced it as his life’s mission. Today, when you hold any piece created by his skilled hands, you can literally feel Kashmir’s soul speaking through the intricate designs and vibrant colours. His work is not just art; it’s poetry written in paper and paint. The precision, the attention to detail, and the cultural essence embedded in each piece reflect decades of experience and love for his homeland’s heritage.
From that small beginning in his family workshop to becoming a National Award recipient, Riyaz’s journey shows how passion and persistence can turn childhood interest into lifelong mastery.
The Magic Behind Papier-Mache: Understanding the Craft
Creating papier-mache art is like performing magic with the simplest ingredients. Riyaz explains that the secret lies in accuracy and consistency. When he creates a flower design on one part of an item, the same flower must appear identical everywhere else. This precision is what separates amateur work from a masterpiece. Each design element must be perfectly replicated across the entire piece, maintaining harmony and balance that pleases the eye.
The materials used are surprisingly eco-friendly and natural. Everything starts with recycled paper, which gets transformed into papier-mache pulp. Rice flour acts as the natural binding agent, creating a paste that holds everything together. The process is entirely organic, using no harmful chemicals. The final touch comes with real gold leaves, carefully applied to give that royal Kashmiri finish. These gold leaves are specially treated and applied with extreme care, creating the lustrous shine that makes each piece look precious.
What’s fascinating is how this ancient technique has remained unchanged for centuries, yet produces art that feels contemporary and relevant. The tools are simple, the materials are basic, but the skill required is extraordinary. Riyaz’s hands move with practised precision, each stroke deliberate and meaningful. He can tell just by touch whether the consistency is right, whether the design needs adjustment, or when a piece is ready for the next stage of creation.
Recognition and Awards: A Testament to Excellence
Riyaz Ahmed Khan’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. This Republic Day, he was honoured with the prestigious Arts and Crafts Award, adding another feather to his already decorated cap. His trophy cabinet tells the story of consistent excellence spanning nearly two decades. The journey of recognition started in 2005-2006 when he received his first state award, proving that his dedication was paying off.
As his reputation grew, the accolades kept coming. In 2006-2007, he received another state award, followed by the prestigious UNESCO Award in 2012. But the crown jewel came in 2016, when he was bestowed with the National Award, the highest recognition for traditional artists in India. Each award motivated him to push boundaries further, never allowing complacency to set in.
What’s remarkable about Riyaz is his attitude towards success. Despite numerous awards and international recognition, he remains humble and focused on his craft. He believes that awards are not the destination but milestones that encourage him to keep innovating and improving. His philosophy is simple: never stop learning, never stop creating, and never stop inspiring others. This mindset has not only brought him personal success but has also elevated the entire papier-mache art form on national and international platforms.
Going Global: Kashmir’s Art Conquers the World
Riyaz Ahmed Khan’s artistry has transcended geographical boundaries, taking Kashmir’s cultural heritage to international shores. His global journey includes workshops and exhibitions in France, Cuba, Sweden, and most recently, Hong Kong. Each international project becomes a cultural bridge, introducing the world to Kashmir’s rich artistic traditions through his masterful creations.
The Hong Kong project was particularly special – a peace-themed mural measuring 8×10 feet. The design featured a bird flying over iconic Kashmiri chinars under moonlight, symbolising peace and natural beauty. When international audiences saw this representation of Kashmir, they were mesmerised by the intricate details and cultural symbolism. The project was such a success that it ranked number one, proving that art truly speaks a universal language.
These international experiences have enriched Riyaz’s perspective and techniques. He doesn’t just showcase Kashmiri art abroad; he brings back new inspirations and ideas. Every foreign workshop teaches him something new about presentation, audience engagement, and cultural exchange. His international success has also opened doors for other Kashmiri artists, creating opportunities for cultural diplomacy through art. The world is now recognising papier-mache not just as a craft but as a sophisticated art form worthy of global appreciation and preservation.
Preserving Heritage Through Teaching: Building the Next Generation
Beyond creating beautiful art pieces, Riyaz Ahmed Khan has taken upon himself the crucial responsibility of preserving this ancient craft for future generations. He actively mentors over 60 students from Kashmir and other Indian states, ensuring that this traditional art form doesn’t disappear with time. His teaching philosophy goes beyond just technique – he instils cultural pride and artistic passion in each student.
His workshops are held at prestigious institutions, including the Craft Museum in Delhi, various colleges in Gujarat, and universities nationwide. Each workshop is carefully designed to teach the technical aspects and tell the story of Kashmir through art. Students learn about recycled materials, natural binding agents, design principles, and the cultural significance behind each motif and pattern.
What sets Riyaz apart as a teacher is his belief in innovation within tradition. He encourages students to respect the classical techniques while exploring new design possibilities. His recent project at Imam Bara in Srinagar’s Zadibal area, where he worked for three years, became a learning ground for many aspiring artists. The project’s success inspired more people to take up papier-mache art, creating a revival movement. His ultimate goal is to eliminate unemployment among youth by providing them with skills that can become sustainable livelihoods while preserving cultural heritage.
The Philosophy of Art: More Than Just Creative Expression
For Riyaz Ahmed Khan, papier-mache art represents much more than creative expression—it’s a source of inner peace and spiritual connection. Influenced by Mughal painters and Islamic artistic traditions, his work carries deep cultural and philosophical meanings. Each piece reflects not just technical skill but emotional depth and cultural understanding that come from decades of dedicated practice.
His approach to innovation within tradition is remarkable. While respecting classical designs and techniques, he constantly introduces fresh elements and contemporary interpretations. Recent projects show his ability to blend traditional Kashmiri motifs with modern aesthetic sensibilities, making the art form relevant for today’s generation. He believes that tradition must evolve to survive, and his work perfectly demonstrates this philosophy.
The artist’s vision extends beyond individual success to community development and cultural preservation. He dreams of a world where papier-mache art thrives in every Kashmiri household, where young people see it as a viable career option rather than just a dying craft. His passion is infectious – when he speaks about his art, his eyes light up with the same enthusiasm he had as a young boy learning from his elder brother. This genuine love for his craft is what makes his work extraordinary and his mission of preservation so compelling and authentic.
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