Centre to host handlooms exhibition in Delhi from August 6 to 19
New Delhi, Aug 2
Exhibition 'Worlds Within Cloth: New Orders of Woven Making' will be inaugurated on Wednesday at the Virasat Hall of the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy here, according to a Textiles Ministry statement issued on Sunday.
To be inaugurated by the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), it will remain open to the public from August 6 to 19 between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. as part of the celebrations leading up to the 12th National Handloom Day on August 7. Members of the public are invited to experience this unique presentation of contemporary textile practices and their evolving relationship with India's living handloom traditions, the statement said.
The exhibition, curated by Sreyansi Singh, will bring together contemporary textile artists, designers and craft collectives whose practices expand the understanding of handlooms beyond their material form. Through research-driven works, artist-artisan collaborations and immersive installations, the exhibition will examine the social, historical and cultural contexts of textile-making while foregrounding experimentation, interdisciplinary approaches and new modes of engagement with craft traditions.
Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Neelam Shami Rao will be the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony, which also be attended by senior officials from the Handlooms Department.
Featuring works by Aadyam Handwoven, Abraham & Thakore, Astha Butail, Boito, Chanakya School, Coonoor & Co., Jagrity Phukan, Jayeeta Chatterjee, Kardo, Morii, Neeraj Patel, Porgai Artisans Association, Shradha Kochhar, Shrujan, Studio Medium, Ujjal Dey and 23 N 69 E, the exhibition will highlight diverse contemporary practices that engage with India's handloom heritage through innovation, collaboration and critical inquiry. Several participating artists are supported by leading galleries and cultural institutions, reflecting the growing dialogue between contemporary art and craft, according to the statement.
The exhibition seeks to foster greater appreciation of contemporary textile practice by presenting cloth as a medium of knowledge, cultural memory and creative expression. By bringing together artists, designers, artisans and craft collectives, it encourages meaningful dialogue on the evolving role of textiles in addressing questions of identity, sustainability, community and material culture. This exhibition will be a celebration of the dynamic intersections of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary artistic practice, the statement added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative but why only 2 weeks? Given the rich heritage we have, these exhibitions should be a permanent feature or travel to tier-2 and tier-3 cities where the actual artisans live. We keep celebrating in Delhi while the weavers in villages struggle for fair wages. The spirit is right, but the execution needs to be more inclusive.
This is exactly what we need! Handloom is not just fabric, it's emotion. The way they're blending contemporary art with ancient weaving traditions is brilliant. I remember buying a Banarasi saree for my mother and the look on her face - priceless. These crafts are our identity. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
As an NRI, this makes me so proud to see our heritage being celebrated on a global platform. The way artists are reimagining handlooms - it's like watching tradition and modernity dance together. My friends abroad are always amazed by the intricacy of Indian textiles. Hopefully, the exhibition gets digital coverage for those of us who can't make it in person.
International brands take our crafts, package them as "ethnic luxury," and charge absurd prices. Meanwhile, our own artisans barely make enough to survive. I appreciate this exhibition, but I hope the government is equally focused on creating equitable supply chains where weavers actually benefit from this renewed interest. Showcasing is great, but economic empowerment is the real need of the hour.
So excited to see Porgai Artisans Association and Shrujan in the list! These are the real heroes of our textile landscape. The fusion of old and new will be a visual treat.
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