Conceptualised and co-curated by Ms. Lavina Baldota along with National Gallery of Modern Art, ‘एक संतति , Mahatma Gandhi Then. Now. Next’ is a tribute to the Father of the Nation on his 150th birth anniversary. Artists from varying disciplines have joined forces to portray their impressions of Gandhi—the man who’s principles have become more than an ideology, but a state of mind that has grown increasingly relevant today, and will continue to be for years to come.
“With khadi as their primary canvas, these artists from the weaving, fashion, literature, fine arts and design industries intend to show how precise, contemporary and firm yet liberal Gandhi’s message was and remains. Without looking to preach his philosophy or idolise his life, their work will display, instead, the very core of Gandhi’s message – that another way is possible,” says Lavina Baldota whose grandfather Shri Abheraj Baldota had the fortune to be associated with the Mahatma during the freedom struggle. With an intention to change the Khadi narrative from modest to resplendent, she envisioned taking Khadi from being an important tool of the past, to a relevant necessity in the present, to a sought after luxury of the future. The result—‘एक संतति , Mahatma Gandhi Then. Now. Next.’
The participating artists include Gaurang Shah, Klove Studio (Prateek Jain and Gautam Seth), Gaurav Gupta, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Jean François Lesage, Ashiesh Shah, Atul Dodiya, Jayasri Burman, Navkirat Sodhi and Kishore Jhunjhunwala.
Some of the creations (pictured above) are detailed below:
GAURANG SHAH: INTERPRETING THE PAINTINGS THROUGH WEAVES
The Textile Designer interprets 30 landmark paintings of Raja Ravi Verma as woven visuals on the pallus of saris, in khadi. 600 shades and hues of naturally dyed textured silk yarns were developed to give a 3D effect while recreating paintings in Jamdani weaves. Junaid Khatri the master craftsman from Kutch, with his deep knowledge of natural dyes took up this challenge and used unconventional methods to create colours which have never been done before. For instance eight to ten shades of each colour were created; in white alone he created twelve shades as each one is significant to bring out the nuances of the painting.
ASHIESH SHAH: SWADESHI
The designer’s installation displays objects created by rural artisans using traditional techniques to give new forms. ‘Swadeshi’ brings together two Sanskrit words, ‘self or own’ and ‘country.’ Thus, self-sustenance is primarily the starting point of the philosophy that directly resonates with the Atelier. He amalgamates experimentation, craftsmanship and technique into a creative ecosystem for collaboration and development. Besides the obvious employment and motivational opportunities for these artisans, the dwindling crafts find voice in a modern world today, adapting Gandhi’s Swadeshi philosophy, with an overarching wabi-sabi aesthetic through geometry, materiality and functionality.
JEAN FRANÇOIS LESAGE: VASTRAKALA
Couturier Lesage shows the influence of Mahatma as he interpret letters written by Gandhi and the route of Dandi March, through couture embroidery, on Khadi. “Embroidering carefully, respecting and following the exact hand writing of the Mahatma using a needle, feels like a sacred action, nearly a ritual, glorifying the human hand through humble and patient work. Daring to let his hand guiding ours, slowly covering with his words, assembled hand woven, paper like textiles, interweaving fragility intending to create inspiring strength,” he says.
The exhibition will be open to the public from 2nd October till 15th November 2019 at NGMA Mumbai.
The exhibit will also embark on a multi-city tour to renowned art museums and galleries to give guests a lasting insight into the finest interface of Indian art and Indian craft through the renditions by select creative minds from various genres across the country.
