House of dolls

"Attention to details like jewellery, embroidery on dresses, design on slippers and moulding of the features is what makes a doll special, unique and a collectors' item," explains Indian artist Prabha Garg. Armed with that winning formula, she makes her dolls which are considered to be the best in the UAE.

A post graduate in fine arts, Garg has been a resident of Al Ain since 1975. Looking at her, it's hard to imagine all that she is believed to be capable of but a quick tour of her residence in the Manaseer area manages to dispel all doubts.

She is an artist to the core. From oil on canvas to silk painting, water colours to 3-D art, glass to ceramics, embroidery to macrame and from marionettes to clay dolls, she does it all. Her house is filled with her marvellous creations and like a proud mother she has a story to tell about every piece, from its birth to its very special place in her heart.

Though extremely talented in many an art form, it's her dolls that have brought Garg much fame and glory. The dolls come in every shape and size, from miniatures to life size. There are clowns, dancers, princes and many more but the local dolls, in their traditional finery, are particularly interesting.

She reveals that every detail has been her own handiwork – the jewellery, the intricate bead and threadwork on the dresses, the face masks and the slippers made from the original material. She always strives to give it a touch of authenticity. The complex henna designs on the doll's hands and their varied hairstyles speak volumes about her expertise as a qualified beautician.

The flowing tresses seen on the local lady dolls and the gents' moustaches and beards are all real hair. Garg says she does not use any moulds, just her hands to bring a ball of clay to life.

Each doll takes about 20 days to complete though a life-size one can take much longer. Asked why she chose clay as her medium, she explains the reasons influencing her choice. First, she believes clay gives a more porcelain-like look while being much cheaper. Clay is also more sturdy and unlike porcelain, if a clay doll breaks it can easily be fixed. Add to that the compliance of the material that is easy to craft, making it a perfect medium for her.

A small doll can be acquired from Garg for Dhs 175 while a life-sized one would cost close to Dhs 2000. Due to a lack of storage space, the life-sized dolls are only made to order. Her clientele includes Americans, Japanese, Britons and Emaratis. She said while Americans are avid doll collectors, Emaratis usually bought dolls as gifts for friends.

She has exhibited her work all over the UAE and till date has had 15 exhibitions in different emirates. She plans to hold an exhibition in Al Ain in February, the date and venue of which will be announced later.