Sutr Santati

A must-see collection at Melbourne Museum, of specially commissioned contemporary textile works celebrating creativity, design and the cultural traditions and techniques of India

Designed by Karishma Swali for Chanakya School of Craft, ‘Freeway’ commemorates India’s national struggle for freedom in a wall tapestry featuring Mahatma Ghandi at its centre. Made from organic linen, jute, cotton, raw silk and utilising hand embroidery techniques along with hand couching and knotting, the result is a Sfumato effect – where tones and shades of colours gradually fade into each another.

The concept for ‘Fungi’ weaves together Vaishali Shadangule’s research into the natural world and transfers its flow into textile form. The piece’s base fabric is handwoven cotton and silk, made with an original Khun handloom that traditionally makes blouses worn with sarees. The mushroom-like textures are created with its waste scraps, mimicking the life cycles of fungi.

‘Patan Shreenathji’ by Gaurang Shah is a handwoven silk patola sari that features the likeness of Hindu God Krishna. Traditionally Krishna’s depiction in woven fabric is uncommon, making this double ikat textile a rare exception. Displayed as a wall hanging, the piece took five years to create from dyeing to the finishing stage.

For tickets visit museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum