16 January,2017 09:31 AM IST | | Suprita Mitter
Rugs and stoles created by Australian students in collaboration with weavers from Gujarat are on view at a two-day exhibition
Muted colours and contemporary designs will make for a delightful display at an exhibition organised by The Australian Consulate-General, Mumbai, in collaboration with ARTISANS'. The second edition of this cross-cultural collaboration between Australia and India is part of the Cultural Textiles programme offered by University of New South Wales (UNSW). A group of Australian designers led by master weaver Liz Williamson have been working with artisans in Gujarat and have come up with innovative ideas in textile design. The current exhibition presents rugs designed by participants in the 2016 course alongside designs by alumni, who have continued to engage with Indian artisan communities including groups such as Sidr Craft, Bhuj; Bengal Crafts and Zardozi Original, West Bengal.
A weaver works a traditional pattern from Gujarat
"I started working with Indian weavers in 2005 in Kolkata. The programme with the university started in 2012 and this is the sixth batch of students that were part of it. We chose Gujarat since UNSW has a tie-up with the National Institute of Design (NID). The collaboration is possible with any state in India because they are all so diverse, and there is so much talent.
The Bandhani technique
Australia doesn't have a weaving history like India," says Williamson, who has produced unique works for major exhibitions and maintained ongoing studio production, specialising in hand-woven scarves and wraps, since establishing her own studio in Australia in 1985. Her research reflects a longstanding interest in the history, use and construction of cloth itself; in particular, the repair of cloth and the process of darning. She embraces some of the oldest techniques of her craft along with new and innovative computer-aided processes.
Cultural Textiles is a programme at the UNSW Art & Design, Australia, to study handmade textiles in India. "This fieldwork course introduces students to the social and cultural aspects of India through textiles, specifically handmade, artisan textile production and to issues of sustainability," says Williamson. "In Ahmedabad, we visit the Calico Museum, Shreyas Museum, Old City, Gandhi Ashram, Kala Kush paper making, leading handloom shops, take a tour of print units and attend a ply spilt braiding workshop with Errol Pires. We are based at Dasada and take day trips to Pethipur (block making), Patan (step well), mashroo weaving and Patola museum and Radhanpur for an embroidery workshop with SEWA artisans. We also visit Bhuj for block printing and Bandhani workshops. We spend time with Bhujodi's weavers, and visit the Shrujan Museum apart from meeting designers and artisans," she shares.
Rugs created by the students of University of New South Wales
The three week-long intensive course is assessed on three projects - a journal documenting the experience of the course; a research project on a topic of interest to the student but related to the course; and a design project. In the last two years, students have had the opportunity to design a range of block-printed floor rugs.
Liz Williamson
These rugs have been exhibited in UNSW, Sydney, too. According to Williamson, all the designs portray an Indian spirit transformed by Australian eyes into contemporary products. "All rugs are printed on both sides; sometimes, with the same design in different colours; others have two different designs on each side," she informs.
On: Today and January 17
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
At: Artisans', 52-56 Dr VB Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda.
Call: 9820145397
