JODHPUR.- The Sutrakala Foundation presents SURFACE — An Exhibition of Indian Embroideries and Surface Embellishment as Art. As the first public project of the newly established not-for-profit, this exhibition focuses on the ways in which makers and organisations have, in recent years, expressed Indian embroideries and forms of surface embellishment beyond fashion, apparel, home furnishings, and interiors.

Staged across three heritage venues around a historic stepwell in the heart of the old, walled city in Jodhpur, this exhibition is an exploration in adaptive conservation — the revitalisation of such spaces for contemporary uses. As an association with the urban regeneration initiative JDH, the exhibition aims to contribute to on-going efforts to bring new energy and engagement with the walled city’s creative culture and economy.

Each venue highlights a distinct aspect of the present ecology of Indian embroideries and surface embellishment: Achal Niwas celebrates the material qualities of texture, translucency and a play of light by featuring works by both contemporary visual artists and designers innovating with historical traditions such as the Parsi Gara, chikankari, Chamba rumal and bagh-phulkari.

Anoop Singh ki Haveli celebrates the narrative — both abstract and figurative — of the collective. Here, practices of indigenous and nomadic ways of life take center stage, with works created in Kutch, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, and Gujarat. Lakshmi Niwas celebrates the transformation of thread work into painting, sculpture, installations, and the three-dimensional.

Curator Mayank Mansingh Kaul says, “Against the magnificent setting of the historical architecture and stark landscape of Jodhpur, the exhibits presented in SURFACE celebrate the enduring charm of embroideries and surface embellishment at their best - as textures, drawings, paintings, installations, and sculptures. At a time when such forms of Indian contemporary textiles have achieved a high level of innovation and hand craftsmanship, the exhibition suggests that we pause and consider their merit beyond fashion, apparel, home furnishings, and objects for interiors".

Shon Randhawa, co-founder of Sutrakala Foundation, says “At Sutrakala, we believe in the transformative power of design, where surface embellishment and embroidery transcend tradition to become extraordinary mediums of art. I wanted to create something meaningful that could showcase the boundless possibilities of embroidery as art. The journey began years ago with a piece I saw at Mayank’s show, and that moment sparked the idea for Sutrakala. This foundation represents years of exploration, learning from historical embroidery centers, and a deep commitment to reviving and reimagining embroidery as an art form. Today, I’m thrilled to unveil SURFACE, our first curated show, which marks the culmination of this dream and our dedication to celebrating the timeless beauty of textile art.”