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Asif Shaikh studio Ahmedabad. Image by Carole Douglas
Aari embroidery entered India during Mughal rule and quickly became the favoured style for royal costume and furnishings. In Kutch the monarchy was quick to seize its intricate nature based designs and it was so popular that an entire street in Bhuj was named after the artisans who lived and worked there. “Mochi Sheri” still exists, although there are no remaining artisans.
In this illustrated talk, and using actual examples, Carole Douglas will trace the rise and fall of Aari work (or Mochi Bharat) in Gujarat and its resurgence due to the efforts of designer and master artisan Asif Shaikh. She will also examine the use of Aari as a narrative art form through the work of the late Adam Sangar, and offer insights into its current status both as a ‘folk’ art and as a high end fashion statement.
Carole Douglas has worked with Aari artisans in Gujarat for almost thirty years. She met Adam Sangar in 1998 and he later participated in the “Resurgence” post earthquake exhibition in 2003. In 2006 she worked with the Victoria and Albert Museum to produce a range of wares to accompany the major exhibition “The Marharajas’. It was during this time that she met and formed a lasting relationship with Asif Shaikh, who created a range of scarves that reflected the magnificence of the era.
Light refreshments will be served.
Please make all bookings and payments in advance, via the TAASA website taasa.org.au
For further information email bookings@taasa.org.au
