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c. Christina Sumner
In Pursuit of Indian Ikats – Gujarat, Orissa & Andhra Pradesh – Christina Sumner
Ikat weaving has a special allure, as the pattern is magically and mysteriously tied and died into the threads prior to weaving the cloth itself. Practised in South and Southeast Asia, as well as in Japan, ikat textiles may be warp or weft patterned, or both. Given the ancient images in India’s Ajanta Caves of men wearing cloth apparently patterned with warp ikat, it may well be that this lovely art originated in India. In her talk, Christina will comment on this thesis and also take us to visit some of India’s principal ikat producing centres in Orissa (now Odisha), Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.
Members are encouraged to bring along their own examples of ikat weaving from these regions.
Christina Sumner OAM is a textile historian and former principal curator design and society at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney where she curated numerous exhibitions on the arts and culture of the Central, South and Southeast Asian regions. Since retiring from the Museum, Christina has been leading special-interest tours with a strong focus on textiles to India and Central Asia, thus happily blending her lifelong love of textiles and travel. Christina is a founder member of TAASA and the Textile Study Group.
Light refreshments will be served.
How to Pay:
1. Cash at the door.
2. By EFT (using “TSG12July” as reference):
The Asian Arts Society of Australia
BSB: 012 003
Account: 2185 28414
3. Via this website.
GETTING THERE
Walking Directions
From Circular Quay
Walk to George Street , The Rocks. Turn left into Argyle Street and walk under the famous Argyle Cut to climb the stairs opposite the Garrison Church. Turn left at the top of the stairs and follow Watson Road past the Sydney Observatory to the National Trust Centre.
From Kent Street
Follow the historic Agar Steps (opposite the Observatory Hotel) up to the National Trust Centre.
From Wynyard and the city
At No. 1 York Street walk through the expressway underpass. Follow the tunnel, keeping to the right, until you come up on Kent Street . Walk along Kent Street to the Agar Steps, or follow the approach to the Bridge, which will take you past the National Trust Centre on your left.
Driving directions (free parking is available on-site)
Drive down Kent Street , right into Argyle Street , right again into Watson Road and follow it around past the Sydney Observatory to the National Trust Centre. Free Parking is available on site.
Public Transport directions
Bus: Routes 311, 324, and 325 terminate at Argyle Street . Walk up Watson Road, Observatory Hill and follow the signs.
Train: to Wynyard or Circular Quay
Ferry: to Circular Quay and proceed as above.
