Picking Up the Threads

She believes that solution to the problems of modern society could be found in the Gandhian philosophy of sarvodaya and swadharma. “If all of us individually educate ourselves,perform our duties and uplift others,we’ll change the whole society,” says Shelly Jyoti. The Delhi-based artist has translated this thought onto traditional azrakh textiles with modernised quilt-making techniques. Made in association with nineth and 10th generation azrakh artisans in Bhuj,she has also used traditional needle craft technique with Sujni and Nakshi Kantha (running stitch needle work),stitches belonging to eastern India,primarily done by Hindu women dating back to the 18th century. “Khadi as a fabric still instils nationalistic feelings,” says the 55-year-old.

So the exhibition,which opened on September 28 at Indira Gandhi National Centre of Arts,comprises 25 hanging tapestries in khadi and a central installation titled Integrating Khadi,which uses 30 metres of khadi printed in Sanskrit calligraphy in gold,suspended loosely from the roof like yacht sails. “This installation represents the Gandhian thought of developing khadi across the villages for the economic independence of the predominantly agrarian society,” notes Jyoti. With this exhibition she takes forward her engagement with history (in 2009 her project “Indigo: Neel Darpan” series was inspired by the Champaran movement for indigo farmers in 1917-18).

The other highlights of the show include a 12×8 feet installation titled Re-wiring- A Non-violent Society,made of lightweight materials such as pipe cleaners,fabric,plastic,wire and thread. Fifty thousand threads from 50 attis are suspended from an aluminium hose pipe and are a part of the installation titled The Threads of Swaraj. The threads are collected from the khadi cooperative in Dandi,and Jyoti dedicates the installation to veteran freedom fighters Acharya Dhirubhai and Gosai Bhai Patel. “I am inspired by the process of spinning as a meditative process to perform one’s duty towards the nation and for the general upliftment of people. It carries an important symbolical and metaphorical meaning,” notes Jyoti.

The exhibition at IGNCA

is on till October 20