Kanakavalli and Ahalya presented ‘Painted from Memory’ Photographic exhibit at Kingsley, Kanakavalli, Chennai

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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

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