More than 200 meticulously crafted artworks sprawling across six halls and numerous corridors at the CCA Gallery within Bikaner House highlight the profound influence of fibre and textiles in our everyday lives. These materials are not only functional but also serve as integral elements in conversations, reflecting our connection with the environment, and acting as symbols of our rich cultural heritage and diversity. Entwined edition 2 is a tribute to the versatility and narrative power of textile-based art.
“Entwined edition 2” presents a diverse array of collections that span from the 1980s to contemporary times, featuring works by 59 artists. The exhibition skillfully juxtaposes tribal and traditional works with modern pieces, weaving powerful cultural, intellectual, and artistic narratives through flexible and tactile textiles. The exhibition invites viewers to immerse themselves in cultural identity, intellectual vitality, and artistic expression through the unique medium of textiles.
Sharan Apparao, the gallerist who curated the first edition of Entwined in Chennai earlier this year, has returned with a more expansive vision for the Delhi chapter. She explains, “Textiles act as preservers of the past and inspirations for the future. There’s a renewed global interest in textiles, and it’s fascinating to observe how artists transform them into compelling narratives that transcend the medium.”
The exhibition is thoughtfully divided into two parts. The first part is categorized into three thematic sections: The Body, The Mind, and The Soul. Each section provides a distinct glimpse into the world of textile art.
In the section The Body, artists integrate landscapes and natural elements to evoke conversations on the fleeting nature of life and the interconnectedness of living organisms. This segment encourages viewers to reflect on life’s impermanence through the art pieces.
The Mind section comprises of abstract, figurative, and mythological narratives that delve into the mind’s power, leading the audience into a realm of contemplative silence and reflecting on simplicity. The pieces aim to illustrate the profundity and complexity of the human mind.
The Soul section speaks to emotional and spiritual experiences.
. Artists create an interplay of threads and fibres that convey deep emotional and spiritual narratives, inviting viewers to connect on a more ethereal level.
The second part of the exhibition pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi and his profound use of khadi as a transformative and political tool during India’s struggle against colonial rule. This segment celebrates khadi’s timeless relevance and its enduring impact.
Among the standout pieces is Gunjan Jain’s Hanuman Chalisa in Telugu, showcased on bright orange silk. This extraordinary piece borrows techniques from Odisha’s ikat and boasts intricate hand-woven calligraphy that does not repeat the weave for any of the 40 verses. Manasa Priya Dhulipalla’s haunting self-portrait, made from embroidered crochet with cotton and wool yarn, captures a state of dilemma with its hanging threads.
Megha Joshi’s Hair series brings to light thread drawings of women, with their hair signifying acts of resistance or compliance, adding a layer of socio-cultural commentary.
Another captivating installation is Puja Bhargava’s vintage wardrobe of antique German and French dolls, presenting a slice of history and the lifestyle of bygone eras. Surekha’s six fabric and wood sculptures explore the concept of skin as clothing and the body as an investigation site for gender identity issues.
Samiksha’s artwork focuses on feminine identity, depicting domestic spaces with walls crafted from tissue paper wrapped over copper wires. This piece vividly portrays the repetitive nature of domestic chores and underlines themes of unity and resilience throughout the exhibition.
Sharan Apparao sums up the collective sentiment, stating, “Textiles as an artistic medium speak volumes about the joys and pains of human existence and the broader systems that shape our world.”
Entwined edition 2 at CCA Gallery in Bikaner House stands as a remarkable testament to the enduring and evolving significance of textiles within art. It remains open to the public until August 23, offering art enthusiasts a profound insight into the world of textile art from 10 AM to 6 PM daily.
This extensive showcase not only highlights the artistic merit of textiles but also invites viewers to engage with the nuanced narratives woven into each piece. The exhibition reaffirms the idea that textiles are not merely functional items but rather dynamic mediums that preserve history, inspire future creativity, and reflect the complex human experience.
