Sutr Santati: Then. Now. Next. Stories of India Woven in Thread
International exhibition exclusive to Melbourne Museum
A must-see collection of specially commissioned contemporary textile works celebrating creativity, design and the cultural traditions and techniques of India.
This coming May, Melbourne Museum welcomes international exhibition Sutr Santati: Then. Now. Next. Conceived and curated by Lavina Baldota of the Abheraj Baldota Foundation, ‘Sutr Santati’ translates to ‘the continuity of thread’.
The exhibition coincides with the commemoration of 75 years of India’s Independence. Featuring 75 specially commissioned textiles by artisans, craftspeople and contemporary designers, it represents a stunning array of textile traditions and techniques that are part of India’s cultural heritage. Visitors will discover stories of India woven in thread, through embroidery, resist-dyeing, printing, painting, appliqué and more.
Highlighting local varieties of cotton, muga and eri silk and yarn using camel, goat and yak hair – Sutr Santati is a must-see experience for anyone with an appreciation of textiles, art, culture and history. The deep and profound reverence that Indians have for handwoven textiles is evident through this creative/vibrant and contemporary interpretation of techniques with traditional yarns.
Lynley Crosswell, CEO and Director of Museums Victoria says, “This is a rare opportunity for our visitors to experience a diverse collection of exquisite hand-crafted works from India. Melbourne Museum is proud to host this international exhibition, curated in celebration of 75 years of Indian Independence. The featured pieces combine traditional techniques with contemporary design, and highlight the remarkable skills of today’s artisans, designers and craftspeople.”
Recognising the cultural connections of communities between Australia and India, Sutr Santati builds on the ongoing creative dialogue between our two countries, fostering deeper links between our peoples.
Ms. Baldota said, “I am very excited for the people of Melbourne to experience the continuity of the diverse textile heritage of India through the exhibition Sutr Santati: Then. Now. Next.”
For the first time in Australia, Sutr Santati: Now. Then. Next. will appear exclusively at Melbourne Museum from May to September 2023.
