2011
National Award
Government of India
National recognition for excellence in handicrafts.
Artist
All artists
A. Sekar
Master Craftsman of Tirukkanur Papier Mâché artisan
- Experience
- 48 years
- Works
- 5
- Recognition
- 4
About the artist
A life shaped by craft
A. Sekar is a master craftsman of Tirukkanur Papier Mâché (GI), practising from Villianur, Puducherry. Born into a traditional toy-makers’ family, he is the sixth generation in this craft lineage, initiated and trained by his father and guru D. Arunachalam. With over 48 years of experience, he creates works from miniatures to large sculptures and idols — evolving new designs while mastering traditional technique. His skill has taken Tirukkanur craft to museums, hotels, and collectors across India, the USA, Germany, Canada, and Reunion Island.
He has trained approximately 2,500 younger craftspersons, conducted workshops in the United States (1991) and Reunion, France (1994 — over 3,000 students), and demonstrated live at Ambiente Messe, Frankfurt (2017). The documentary ICON – Memoirs of a Master Craftsman by Dr. Kala Shreen chronicles his life and work.
Craft skills
Clay Modelling & Design
98%
Mould Making
96%
Papier Mâché Finishing
97%
Traditional Colouring
95%
Jewellery & Ornament Detail
94%
Craft Training & Workshops
92%
Journey
Timeline
-
1957
Birth of A. Sekar
Born 10 May1957 into a traditional toy-makers’ family in Puducherry.
-
1971
Family legacy recognised
Grandfather Vaithiyalingabakthar honoured in Chennai — continuing a distinguished craft lineage.
-
1987
State Award
Receives Puducherry State Award for excellence in craft.
-
1991
Teaching abroad
Training and demonstration for youngsters and teachers across various places in the U.S.
-
1994
Reunion workshops
Trains more than 3,000 school and college students over 90 days in Reunion, France.
-
2010
GI status for the craft
Tirukkanur Papier Mâché conferred Geographical Indication (G.I. 202) by the Government of India.
-
2011
National Award
Conferred the National Award for handicraft excellence.
-
2017
Frankfurt demonstration
Live craft demonstration at Ambiente Messe, Frankfurt.
-
2021
ICON documentary & workshops
Subject of the film ICON by Dr. Kala Shreen; leads Design & Technical Development programmes.
Craft & community
Contributions
Contributions will appear here.
Recognition
Achievements
1987
State Award
Government of Puducherry
State award for outstanding craft practice.
Kala Shri
Cultural recognition
Honour acknowledging artistic contribution to traditional craft.
2010
Geographical Indication — Tirukkanur Papier Mâché
Government of India
Craft conferred GI status (G.I. 202) — hallmark of Tirukanur papier mâché authenticity.
Selected exhibitions
2017
Ambiente Messe Frankfurt
Ambiente / EPCH · Frankfurt, Germany
Live demonstration of Indian technical crafts.
1990
Surajkund Craft Mela
Surajkund · Haryana
4th Surajkund Craft Mela participation.
1990
West Zone Cultural Centre
WZCC · Udaipur
Cultural centre exhibition.
1987
All India Handicrafts Week
DIC / Development of Handicrafts · India
33rd All India Handicrafts week celebration.
Recognition archive
Certificates
Certificates are being archived
Published certificates will appear here.
Press archive
Publications
Newspaper and magazine coverage featuring A. Sekar and the studio.
Publications are being archived
Published press coverage will appear here.
Selected work
