She has observed rural and urban Indian life very keenly and exhibited the same through her creative art of doll-making. She is Francoise Bosteels, a Belgian by birth, who came to India as a Christian nun more than 25 years ago. A collection of creative and aesthetic dolls by Bosteels were on show at Alliance Francaise de Bangalore recently. However, the viewers could only see and enjoy the beauty and creativity of the dolls on the spot. They were denied the pleasure of owning them since they were not for sale.

Organised by Better World Publications and Alliance Francaise de Bangalore, the show was hosted as part of the programme to release a book, 'The Dolls Speak', a collection of poems by a number of poets on Indian life. The poetry is complemented by matching pictures of the dolls created by Bosteels. At the exhibition also, the dolls were accompanied by sensitive, thought provoking writings on the social experiences of people. The Belgian artist has been involved in her Christian missionary service. The dolls, about 100 in number, have been handcrafted in a span of about 20 years, Francoise Bosteels told bangalorebest.com.

How many dolls can you produce in a year?
In a year I can hardly make five dolls. I never sold them. They are not for sale.

How did you learn this doll making craft?
Nobody taught this craft to me. I learnt it myself. When I was17 years old I fell sick. It was then that I started making these dolls. I used to create dolls for Christmas initially.

What is the theme behind the craft and exhibition?
I hope the dolls continue to talk with people who come to see them. (The dolls were arranged in a way that represented Indian rural and urban life). Through my craft, I tried to pass on a message of humaneness and religious harmony.

What made you to pursue this craft in India?
I started this craft of doll making when I came down to India because Indian rural life fascinated me.

One notices that the dolls did not have any eyes, nose or mouth, only a head with a blank face. But still they are very nice to see and pass on a powerful message to viewers.


Address: Better World Publications,
# 504, Benaka Towers, 16th Main,
HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar,
Bangalore - 560 008.
Phone: 2521 1855

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