MERGING

2023

Materials: Block printed cotton dyed with madder root, indigo, iron rust, turmeric, photos, video

03/2024 solo exhibition at Artifex gallery, Vilnius, Lithuania

08/2024 was part of Aritmija art expositions, Merkinė, Lithuania

In the exhibition "Merging," I present my interpretation of the traditional Indian textile printing technique, specifically block printing. This ancient and culturally significant visual language forms the basis of the exhibition, inviting viewers to engage with and explore this unique, archaic method of textile printing through my artistic lens.

With the support of a mobility grant from the Ministry of Culture of Lithuania, I had the opportunity to travel to India, where I mastered textile stamping using hand-carved wooden blocks. While working with experts in this craft at the "Wabisabi Project" studio, I created the series of cotton canvases titled "Merging." My works aim to connect two cultures by layering various patterns inspired by traditional textile weaving motifs.

The circle, a recurring motif in my work, is an important element symbolizing cyclicality and reversibility. It seems to convey the realities of different worlds that can merge into one in a moment. I present the exhibition as a poetic escape from the post-industrial, fast-paced reality. Here, the monotonous process of block stamping creates canvases that are full of touch, human error, and materiality.

All the works are dyed using only natural dyes, such as madder root, indigo pigment, turmeric, and iron rust. Dyeing textiles with plants is not only an important part of my practice but also represents the deep color traditions of India. Unfortunately, textile dyeing with plants is becoming a very rare phenomenon in India.

In the exhibition, alongside the canvases printed with wooden blocks, you will also see photos and videos from the town of Bragu in India, where the chhipa (block printers) community lives. I aim to convey the atmosphere of this impressive place—the beauty of the craft, the complexity, the hard work, and the person behind each meter of printed material. I invite the viewer to pause and reflect on this technique, which, due to changing society, fashion trends, and industrial development, is constantly evolving and facing an uncertain future.