Abirpothi

India’s only daily art newspaper

textiles

Stitching Politics: Textile Art’s Bold Resurgence and Political Power Unveiled

In a revolutionary shift, the traditional realms of embroidery, weaving, and fabric decoration are emerging as potent vehicles for political expression, as a series of captivating exhibitions this summer and autumn spotlight the protest intricately woven into stitchwork. Departing from their historical classification as mere crafts, these exhibitions are propelling textiles into the realm of […]

Stitching Politics: Textile Art’s Bold Resurgence and Political Power Unveiled Read More »

Preserving the Past and Weaving A New Future: The Tale Guledgudda Khana Weave from Karnataka

There is a video doing the rounds on Instagram wherein a lady dressed in a beautiful saree made out of Khun, Khann or Khanna cloth does a walkthrough of the cloth weavers district in Bagalkote district in Karnataka. This is a lesser known weaving tradition from Karnataka that needs to be promoted and spoken about

Preserving the Past and Weaving A New Future: The Tale Guledgudda Khana Weave from Karnataka Read More »

Incredible World of Ilkal Sarees: The Lesser-Known Weave of Karnataka

Ilkal Sarees are found almost everywhere, from the small towns in Maharashtra to North Karnataka. A special Ilkal saree with Kasuti embroidery was seen on our Finance Minister, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman while she was presenting the Union Budget in February. So, let’s find out what is so special about Ilkal sarees that are made in

Incredible World of Ilkal Sarees: The Lesser-Known Weave of Karnataka Read More »

Lalit Mohan Sen: Rediscovering a Modern Maestro of Indian Art

A large-scale retrospective exhibition is all set to open on the legendary yet fairly unknown artist, Lalit Mohan Sen (1898-1954) at Emami art gallery on 14th July 2023 curated by Debdutt Gupta. An exhibition that shall highlight the life story of this unknown personality and showcase some of his seminal works of art including paintings,

Lalit Mohan Sen: Rediscovering a Modern Maestro of Indian Art Read More »

Indian Influence on European Fashion; Showcasing Iconic Dress and Textiles, Exhibiting Cultural Exchange

The recently-concluded exhibition “India in Fashion: The Impact of Indian Dress and Textiles on the Fashionable Imagination” occurred at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai, India. Curated by fashion journalist and editor Hamish Bowles, the exhibition explored India’s influence on European fashion throughout history. The exhibition was divided into ten sections, each

Indian Influence on European Fashion; Showcasing Iconic Dress and Textiles, Exhibiting Cultural Exchange Read More »

A Historian’s Tale: The Life of Jasleen Dhamija in Indian Textiles and Other Traditions

Smriti Malhotra Jasleen Dhamija, was a highly esteemed historian and a revered champion of traditional Indian crafts, has left an indelible mark on the preservation and promotion of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Through her extensive research, significant policy contributions, and unwavering dedication, she has become a beacon, illuminating the narrative surrounding Indian textiles and

A Historian’s Tale: The Life of Jasleen Dhamija in Indian Textiles and Other Traditions Read More »

A Craft Catalyst, Life of Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay

Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, an often overlooked and forgotten figure, was far more than a mere sum of her achievements. Widely recognised as the driving force behind the revival of India’s diverse craft traditions and a staunch advocate for “tribal art” after independence, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay’s influence extended beyond her expertise in Indian handicrafts. She played a significant

A Craft Catalyst, Life of Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay Read More »

Meet Aaquib Wani: The Designer Behind the New Jerseys for Indian Cricketers

Aditya Sisodia The recently launched jerseys of the Indian cricket team have created quite a buzz, with the Test jersey selling out within two days of its release. The mastermind behind these eye-catching designs is Aaquib Wani, a self-taught designer who was entrusted with the task by the global sportswear brand Adidas. With his emphasis

Meet Aaquib Wani: The Designer Behind the New Jerseys for Indian Cricketers Read More »

“Each stitched line is a conversation between my hand and brain,” says Pranati Panda – Textile Series 2

Pranati Panda’s first textile experience was as a child learning to knit and sew from her mother. She has always had a need to do something with her hands, something tactile, and working with textile and stitching is a process of mark-making of the progression of time, she believes. “Hand-stitching is a time-based medium and

“Each stitched line is a conversation between my hand and brain,” says Pranati Panda – Textile Series 2 Read More »

Chandrashekhar Bheda unravels the fascinating world of textile murals | Textile Series 1

Chandrashekhar Bheda studied textile design (Dyeing and Printing) at Sir JJ School of Art. Next, he completed his post graduation from the National Institute of Design Ahmedabad in Industrial Design with a specialization in Textiles in 1988. Abir Pothi reports how such a large potential stored in textile materials has kept him excited throughout his

Chandrashekhar Bheda unravels the fascinating world of textile murals | Textile Series 1 Read More »