Manzooz Ahmad Bhat, a 34-year-old artist from central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, is creating mosaic art using stones and rocks collected from trekking routes in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. His art is admired by many and is considered the only artist in Kashmir to create such pieces. Bhat uses crushed stones, which are not soft enough to be crushed, and then graphs drawn on plywood are converted into paintings. He is a self-taught artist in this art form, and his family has been a pillar of support.
Bhat’s art has won many admirers over the years and he now wants to showcase his creations on the national and international stage. The Department of Handicrafts, Kashmir, has helped him showcase his artwork in the exhibition. Bhat met with Director of Handicrafts and Handloom Mehmood Ahmed Shah, who was inspired by his work. Shah said his department is trying to promote art that is not well-known and is trying to connect artists with buyers and e-commerce platforms. Bhat is the first artist in Kashmir making such amazing pieces, and he wants people to buy and appreciate his art. A visitor at the exhibition, Irfan, found Bhat’s theme and idea impressive, stating that he has been inspired by the mosaic art form, which is a rare art form with around 19 artists worldwide. Another visitor, Nowsheeba, was overwhelmed by the unique art form and the use of stone and stand emulsion.