New exhibition in New Delhi to explore collectivism, shared authorship in contemporary textile practices

Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic

An upcoming exhibition, "No 'One' Maker: Textiles as Community" in New Delhi aims to examine how contemporary textile practices are shaped by collectivism, shared authorship and collaboration between indigenous makers and artists.

Scheduled to be held at Bikaner House from April 3, the exhibition through textiles, installations and moving images challenges the idea of the singular creator, instead "foregrounding co-creation, reciprocity and community-led knowledge systems".

It is presented by Inherited Arts Forum -- a collaboration between two contemporary art galleries Exhibit 320 & Blueprint12 -- and curated by independent curator and researcher Sreyansi Singh.

"The exhibition unfolds across three sections, beginning with long-term collaborations between indigenous practitioners and contemporary artists, where textiles become repositories of memory, identity, and resilience," the organisers said in a statement.

While the first section highlights long-term collaborations, including the kavands of Siddi women, co-created with community-based art practitioner Anitha N Reddy, which documents memory, identity and resistance; the second section focuses on indigenous practices within communities.

The first section also features Mansukh Pitambari Khatri, whose work with Morii has revitalised Bela block printing through new motifs and techniques.

"Jigmat Couture reinterprets traditional Ladakhi garments, while Hannah Khiangte presents Thembu, drawing on Mizoram's loom traditions in collaboration with local artisans," said the organisers, elaborating on the showcase in the second section.

The final section, they added, brings first-time collaborations, including Mangala Bai Marawi with designers David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore, translating tattoo motifs into textiles. Works by Harago with Bhuri Bai, and Balu Jivya Mashe with Rimzim Dadu, further explore shared making.

The exhibition will come to a close on April 8.