This exhibition and accompanying book show how contemporary artists are reinventing craft techniques, exploring identity and cultural history.
Embroidery, a skill passed down through generations, is central to this exploration. Traditionally practiced by women, it's now embraced by both genders. The exhibition highlights the work of Madhvi and Manu Parekh, who draw inspiration from India's rich spiritual and artistic traditions. Their works, ranging from paintings to sculptures, reflect the interplay between the real and the imaginary.
The Chanakya School of Craft works with these artists to reinterpret their work through embroidery. This fusion of art and craft challenges traditional boundaries and creates a dialogue between past and present.
Madhvi Parekh (b. 1942) is a self-taught artist from India known for her folk-inspired paintings. Her work draws on childhood memories, mythology and women's craft traditions. She explores themes of human experience, the divine feminine and the interplay between reality and the surreal. Parekh has exhibited internationally and received numerous awards, including a fellowship from the Indian Ministry of Culture and a Whirlpool Women's Achievement Award. Manu Parekh (b. 1939) a leading Indian artist, draws inspiration from Paul Klee, Tagore and the folk art of India. Rooted in the tangible and sensual, his work celebrates the beauty of embroidery and traditional craftsmanship. Recognised with prestigious awards, Parekh's art is a fusion of modernism and Indian heritage. Chanakya School of Craft, a unique women-only education facility in India, is dedicated to preserving India's rich handcraft heritage. Founded in 2016 by Chanakya International, a global manufacturing house, the school empowers women through multi-dimensional learning in arts and crafts. By training over 1000 women, the school fosters a community of skilled, independent individuals who contribute to the global fashion industry and ensure the legacy of Indian hand embroidery lives on.
