Art Centrix Space presents ‘Iterum’, an ongoing exhibition curated by Monica Jain, founder and director of the gallery. Iterum, currently open for viewing until March 30th, 2024, offers an exploration of transience through the unusual textile works of acclaimed artists Rahul Jain and Gunjan Arora.
Breaking away from conventional norms, Iterum transcends traditional norms, where handfuls of collected threads form the basis of these stunning, monumental art installations showcased. Symbolic in their ability to bind everyday realities, these threads are hand-sewn with a curved needle as the fundamental medium. At the heart of Iterum lies a philosophical inquiry into the nature of reality and the passage of time. Drawing inspiration from Wabi-Sabi aesthetics, artist duo Rahul and Gunjan embraced the unpredictable aspects of life, challenging conventional notions of beauty. As Monica Jain, Founder-Director of Art Centrix Space, reflects, “Iterum is a breathtaking journey into the vast possibilities of what can be accomplished. It invites us to traverse the continuum of existence and appreciate the beauty found in fleeting moments.”
The result is a series of organic compositions embodying a sense of transience, where forms and structures constantly evolve in interpretation. Rahul Jain and Gunjan Arora, collectively known as Threadarte, seamlessly meld their expertise with artistic innovation, leading to a collaboration that has garnered international acclaim. Their unique language, born out of an experiment in 2004 to deal with textile waste, has evolved into a transformative force in the art world where textile, fashion and yarn industries merge to make this a sustainable and environmentally friendly initiative.
“It’s been a journey of abandonment to be found,” explain the artists. “Materials become tools to shape narratives and evoke emotions.” Their artistic evolution has been marked by eight solo exhibitions and numerous group shows, earning them the prestigious ‘Award of Excellence in the Field of Art’ under the ‘Make in India’ campaign in 2017. Beyond their careers as artists, Rahul and Gunjan bring a wealth of experience to their craft, serving as curators, educators, consultants, and researchers. Through the painstaking process of gathering threads, they have trained numerous individuals globally, cultivating a discerning eye for fine-quality threads in the accumulation journey.
In the fabric of Threadarte’s creations lies a story of adaptation. Each thread, collected and sorted from various sources, carries its tale. From the bustling streets of metropolitan cities to the quiet corners of rural landscapes, these threads weave together a narrative of interconnectedness and continuity. By encouraging collaboration with textile, fashion, and yarn industries, they have pioneered a new approach to artistic expression that prioritizes environmental consciousness. In doing so, they have set an example for artists and creators worldwide, demonstrating the power of creativity to effect positive change. Amid a textile art renaissance in India, Rahul and Gunjan stand as early pioneers and innovators. They introduced “ThreadArt” two decades ago. Instead of employing the warp and weft technique, their works are crafted by hand using random assortments, intricately weaving a universe within them.
Iterum represents a paradigm shift in contemporary art, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of transience and impermanence. Art enthusiasts are invited to experience this transformative exhibition until March 30th, 2024, at Art Centrix Space.
Monika Thesiya’s Serenede of Abstract and Shapes and Colours
