Karishma Swali and the Chanakya School of Craft present 'Belong' at the India Art Fair

Karishma Swali and Chanakya School of Craft Unveil ‘Belong,’ a series of interdisciplinary crafted works at the India Art Fair

Karishma Swali and the Chanakya School of Craft present 'Belong' at the India Art Fair in New Delhi from February 1st to 4th, 2024. Derived from the transformative power of nature, "Belong" is a spontaneous immersion into the eternal connection between the human form and the natural world. From this exchange emerges a fantastical universe where the interconnectedness between all beings, their inherent nature, and the ecosystems they inhabit come to the fore.

Through an interdisciplinary approach, this interconnectedness unfolds, uniting both real and metaphysical worlds. Rendered with a familiarity that transcends space and time, the central figures seamlessly integrate into the landscape, embodying a profound sense of belonging. In doing so, "Belong" prompts contemplation on this eternal connection, reaching into the realms of collective consciousness and an almost unreachable memory.

The series features large-scale, interdisciplinary handcrafted works and sculptures conceived by Karishma Swali and meticulously handcrafted by the female graduates of the Chanakya School of Craft, alongside the master artisans of the Chanakya ateliers.

The intricate interplay of hand-spun yarns and layering techniques, along with micro variations of needlepoint techniques, including couching, bullion knots and the stem stitch, bring to life a layered narrative that honours craft and its role in culture, community and preserving our collective identities. The exhibition also features hand moulded sculptures created with bamboo terracotta and basket weaving techniques, serving as a tribute to the resilient and unyielding spirit of the feminine.

"Belong is a tribute to the spirit - common to us all, the wonder of nature and the interconnectedness of all life forms. Through this presentation, our endeavour is to honour the profound role craft plays in preserving our collective heritage and nurturing communities," says Karishma Swali, Creative Director of Chanakya School of Craft.

The India Art Fair also serves as a platform for unveiling the school's artistic collaborations with French-Cameroonian visual artist Barthélémy Toguo and French contemporary artist Eva Jospin, underscoring their collective vision that celebrates the confluence of art and craft to create a new language across interdisciplinary mediums.

The French Institute in India - as part of the launch of its Villa Swagatam residency programme, which encourages exchanges between French artists and Indian craftspeople - the Basu Foundation and Galerie Lelong & Co. Paris New York will be unveiling the installation ‘Water Matters', the fruit of an original collaboration between the Franco-Cameroonian artist Barthélémy Toguo, Creative Director Karishma Swali and the artisans of non-profit school and foundation, the Chanakya School of Craft, based in Mumbai.