[CSH Workshop] Know-how as a capital: artisanal skill, power dynamics & agency (L. Cindric & R. Sengupta)
The Centre de Sciences Humaines is pleased to invite you to the CSH Workshop
by
(École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales-CESAH, Paris)
&
Rajarshi SENGUPTA
(Dept. of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Kanpur)
on
Know-how as a capital:
artisanal skill, power dynamics & agency
Followed by a discussion with Corinne Lefèvre
Monday, 2 December 2024, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm IST
Abstract:
The extensive literature on craft has presented a wide range of methodological insights into perceiving knowledge, skill, workmanship and capital. Obliterating the political dynamics at stake in craft production, as well as the economic context that informs it, can sometimes lead to the trap of its romanticisation and essentialisation. A conception detached from the actual conditions of making is probably to link with the long-standing divide between the hand and the mind, enhancing a scholarly discourse over manual practices. One can wonder how much this dichotomy persists in scholarship nowadays if we consider the academic discourse produced about craft, without engaging (actively or at least passively) with its practices. Only recent publications are attempting to apprehend more closely such dynamics, highlighting for example, the role of crafts in the imperialist project or the impacts of globalization and capitalism on the artisans’ agency. In this presentation, we would like to join in this effort by presenting our respective case studies drawn from fieldwork in order to reflect about how the artisanal know-how is being used as a capital—when, by who, and why? This, in turn, also sheds light on the subject position of the scholars/researchers/practitioners and provides insights into critical, ethical and empathetic approaches to examine craft practices.
Lola CINDRIC graduated in both Sociology-Anthropology and Conservation-Restoration of Heritage in Paris, before being manually trained as an apprentice in “pietra dura” mosaic (or stone inlaying) in Florence, Italy. She is now carrying out a doctoral research in Social Anthropology at the School for Advanced Studies in Social Sciences (EHESS), Paris, about the past and current connections in this craft between Florence, Italy, and Agra, India. Her research aims at identifying the long-term power dynamics at stake in between those two historical sites of production, and analysing their impacts on the working conditions of the artisans today.
Rajarshi SENGUPTA is a practitioner and art historian, presently teaching at the Dept. of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Kanpur (2021-). Sengupta holds a PhD in Art History from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver (2019). His work focuses on practice-theory interrelations, dyed textile making and artisanal histories. He is recipient of the IARTS Textiles of India Grant, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto (2017-18) and Shastri Indo-Canadian Travel Grant (SSTSG) (2023-24).
For more info contact:
communication[at]csh-delhi[dot]com
CSH Workshop is in hybrid mode. We request you to pre-register before Monday, 2 December, 2:00 p.m. IST for offline and online registration.
To attend at the venue: Please note the room capacity is limited. Seats will be reserved on a first come first basis. Kindly carry an ID proof to be granted access to the venue.
