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Like the process of creating textiles itself, Cincinnati Art Museums The Fabric of India exhibition weaves intricate threads that tell the story of a country steeped in rich history, culture and tradition. And perhaps Indias tale is best recounted through the art of creating cloth, a symbol not only of the past, but also of modern possibilities.
In part, it was that narrative underscoring the sheer beauty of many Indian fabrics that inspired Cynthia Amnéus the museums curator of fashion arts and textiles to bring the exhibit, originally organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, to Cincinnati.
The Fabric of India runs through Jan. 6, 2019 at the Cincinnati Art Museum. More information on special exhibition prices can be found at cincinnatiartmuseum.org.
Photos by Hailey Bollinger
“The Fabric of India” exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum Hailey BollingerA room hanging, or “bithiya,” from the early 20th century found on the streets of New York City in 1994 Hailey BollingerContemporary saris showcase how Indian designers bring tradition into modern fashion Hailey BollingerHigh-end, modern fashion clothing pieces Hailey BollingerContemporary Indian clothing Hailey BollingerWedding ensembles designed by Sabyasachi Mukhergee in 2014 Hailey Bollinger(Left to right) Blouse and salwar designed by Asha Sarabhai for Raag Ahmedabad, Gujarat; Coat by Brigitte Singh, 2014 Hailey BollingerExamples of clothing made from khadi cloth, a symbol of the Indian independence movement Hailey BollingerHandwoven head scarves dyed with various techniques Hailey BollingerHailey BollingerWall hangings Hailey BollingerCotton wall hanging with silk thread and clothing pieces made for export to Europe between the 1700-1800s Hailey BollingerGroup of mulberry-silk skeins Hailey BollingerGroup of woven silks Hailey BollingerSilk worm cocoons Hailey BollingerTurmeric used in dying Hailey BollingerWomen’s dress from the early 20th century, made of wool and tie-dyed Hailey BollingerThis section depicts varying dying processes Hailey BollingerDetail of sari made of silk and dyed yellow with turmeric Hailey BollingerTie-dyed turban cloth from Delhi circa 1855. Hailey BollingerHailey BollingerTied turban cloth Hailey BollingerGroup of handwoven fabrics and clothing Hailey BollingerWrapped garment made of cotton and block-printed Hailey BollingerDress border embroidered with jewel beetle wings Hailey BollingerVarious gold and embroidered pieces Hailey BollingerGold embroidered cloth Hailey BollingerChildrens’ clothing Hailey BollingerA room hanging, or “bithiya,” from the early 20th century found on the streets of New York in 1994 Hailey BollingerDetail of the “bithiya,” or wall hanging Hailey BollingerMap shawl depicting the cities of Srinagar in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Hailey BollingerDetail of map shawl Hailey BollingerA “Shrine Flag” Hailey BollingerTalismanic shirt made in the late 15th century or early 16th century, inscribed with the entirety of the Quran and worn into battle Hailey BollingerDetail of the talismanic shirt Hailey BollingerHanging for an Armenian Christian church Hailey BollingerCoverlet or Rumal that depicts the wedding between Hindu god Krishna and his queen consort Rukmini Hailey BollingerDetail of the coverlet Hailey BollingerTemple hanging, illustrating a story of the Hindu goddess Gangamma Hailey Bollinger(Left to right) Men’s riding coat circa 1620s; man’s robe or jama circa 1867; block printed man’s robe circa 1700-1800 Hailey BollingerPrince’s coat, papier-mache turban and velvet crown Hailey BollingerDetail of the velvet crown Hailey BollingerVelvet border from a floor-spread Hailey BollingerHailey BollingerDated back to the 15th century, these are two of the oldest pieces in the gallery Hailey BollingerCotton with abstract and floral designs circa 1400s Hailey BollingerHailey BollingerHailey Bollinger
