Kanakavalli and Ahalya presented ‘Painted from Memory’ Photographic exhibit as part of ‘The Ekavalli Foundation’ initiative at Kingsley, Kanakavalli, Chennai
Kanakavalli and Ahalya presented ‘Painted from Memory’ photographic collective by Uma Damle as part of the Ekavalli Foundation initiative. The Ekavalli Foundation is a Kanakavalli initiative that endeavours to introduce new audiences to the multiple facets of the kanjivaram craft. In an effort to discover new ways to engage people in the elements and emotions that surround the kanjivaram as a tradition and a way of life Ekavalli explores varied forms of media, from art and illustration to photography and revival projects. It uses the kanjivaram as a focal point, and looks beyond the craft to create experiences, objects and media that enrich the audience’s understanding of the textile.
Uma Damle’s photography series is the second of Ekavalli’s initiatives, one that offers a new visual point of view of the kanjivaram. This series of theatre portraits and still life images reflects the artist’s aesthetic sense with the Kanjivaram drape as the focal point of the narrative. In the chiaroscuro technique, used by Renaissance painters like Caravaggio, familiar objects seem to emerge out of the darkness of the past, into beautifully muted, memory faded colour. The line between photograph and painting is blurred by the use of lighting and the warmth of the colours. The photographs become a memory board, bringing together diverse elements that form the essence of the Kanjivaram. The sari is seen here as a handed down keeper of memories, from weaver to wearer and mother to daughter; the warp and weft that are bound together with strength, grace and beauty on the loom, softened and made rich with recall.
The Photographic Exhibition will be on at all Kanakavalli stores.
Kingsley Kanakavalli
No. 60, Spurtank road,
Chetpet, Chennai 600031
Contact: 9677074108
