
NILA HOUSE
2019-2020
Exhibition Design, Visual Communications Design, Installation Design, Film Edit
REVISITING TRADITIONS: A showcase of artisanal textiles from Kutch
Kutch is one of the few significant craft regions of India to have stood the test of time and nature, keeping its ancient practices of weaving; printing and dyeing alive in their utmost purity. This exhibition is the culmination of a 6-month commissioned project wherein 5 young artisans from Kutch used natural indigo as a colour of expression and identity to create unique pieces in their respective traditional crafts: Abdulrauf Khatri - Ajrakh; Suresh Maganlal - Tangaliya; Aziz Khatri - Bandhani; Khimji Vankar - Kutch weaving; Shakil Khatri - Batik.
Taking inspiration from these textile practices, designer Ujjawal Dubey collaborated with the artisans to create a small collection of garments. This collaboration reinforces the Nila House philosophy of enabling equal dialogues and co-creation between artisans and designers. Here, we mark our first step towards the revival of true Indigo in a region which truly identifies with this magical dye.