Reins of Change:

The first installation that we came by was one of resilience. It was made by artists of JD Institute of Fashion Technology. The resilience of the installation lies in its tribute and portrayal of women and their dedication to the multitude of responsibilities and expectations that befall her. The art in itself was tested with resilience as multiple spectators touched the piece after repeatedly being told not to. Kishore Sonawane, the artist in the above photograph, also spoke about the wad of (fake) cash that was stolen from the base of the installation just a few days ago. The image of society as a silent spectator shows that silence should not only be found in words. The courage to pursue our dreams and fulfill our duties born out of expectations and norms is tested with the cruel and unforgiving mirror that faces a child when she is born as a girl.

“The installation stands as a tribute to women’s enduring spirit and their collective strides toward equality and self-determination”.

Half and Whole:

A century for the centaur to make cents to the people, huh?

The centaur, a mythological creature, fusing the concept of man and horse from Aesop for Children to Harry Potter, consists of the harmony of man and horse. The attempt to find stability in life and the freedom the horse searches for from the stables that man makes.

It was Sasmira’s Institute of Fashion and Textiles's first time exhibiting their art in Kala Ghoda. When interviewed, they spoke excitedly about their installation. It was radiant with symbolism etched on every patch of skin.

Material symbolism away from materialism; the patchwork and the intimacy of sowing was portrayed in its colors and vibrancy implying the unity of society and the fragments that find themselves looking for their missing jigsaw piece.

Leera Crafts, Rajasthan:

The handicrafts that come in handy!

The exhibition of this journey has been in Kala Ghoda for the past three years. The startup is four years old, and it began with Kairavi Shahu and her friend ideating during the period of COVID. Once the quarantine was lifted, they started showcasing their products in exhibitions. They dream to have their own store one day.

The kindness and dedication in their art as a product of life, seller of products, and consumer of dreams spilled into their patchwork. The material felt as though it was the quilts that we would read about as children, made by families from old bed sheets and clothes. The culture of the exhibition was pulling at the seams of the stitching and I could feel it tug at my heart strings. Specialization for the creation of their products was mentioned to be located in different places, adding value to their unique standing and variety.

The patchwork is from up-cycled material. The remains are crafted with a design in mind. There were books, sling bags, and jackets with room for exciting future products that were still being discussed for tacking the untapped market.

Kala Ghoda covered a diverse number of product and art exhibitions, providing startups with exposure and a platform to delve into their potential.

Kiara Krafts, West Bengal:

Bag the one for you. This handicraft exhibition was swarming with spectators and prospective customers. The interview was gracefully interrupted by kind interactions with the customers. The bustling sounds of excitement and choice-making to finally making the purchase stormed the room. The bags comprised of jute weaving as well as cotton weaving, and due to the weather they started focusing on pure leather.

Their “How to Care” tags on the bags felt very instructional for the gentle use of their beautiful products. Treat yourself with the same care.

The stories that the individuals had to share in each of the Kala Ghoda installations and exhibitions were a curious case of appeasement to know the history of each and every piece of work showcased and sold. 

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