A fusion of art & spirituality

Textile designer Gaurang Shah’s expertise in the Jamdani weaving technique, particularly from Srikakulam, Venkatgiri, and Srinagar, is at the heart of Swaroop.

Each panel in this collection highlights the complex and labour-intensive process that defines Jamdani.

Describing passionately the intricate journey of creating Swaroop, the designer highlights how each textile technique adds a unique perspective to the portrayal of Shreenathji.

Gaurang offers a glimpse into the confluence of tradition, spirituality, and innovation in Indian textiles. “The Gotta Patti from Jaipur contrasts with the delicate Lucknow Chikan embroidery and vivid Dharwad Kasauti. Using Kashmir, Dehradun, Hyderabad, and Dhaka, aari work, and precise beadwork, the celestial form is multi-layered,” says the designer.

“Shreenathji, depicted in different techniques, takes on new dimensions, each telling its own story. It is this versatility and depth that makes our craft heritage truly remarkable,” says the designer.

Shreenathji is a living work of art because Gaurang masterfully draws soft Pattachitra from Odisha, narrative Kalamkari from Tirupati, exquisite Tanjore paintings from Tamil Nadu, and traditional Cheriyal scrolls from Hyderabad on fabric. Each painting technique interprets the deity in a different way.

People from all walks of life, including art aficionados, textile enthusiasts, and devotees, flock to the Crafts Council of Telangana for the two-day show that ended on August 29.