Pampa textile exhibition opens at NGMA Bengaluru
The exhibition features over 150 objects including saris, artwork, and yarn to showcase the weaving traditions of Karnataka.
The 'Pampa: Textiles of Karnataka' exhibition has opened at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Bengaluru, according to the Deccan Herald. The showcase will remain on display until December 15.
The exhibition includes more than 150 objects such as textile fragments, yarn, artwork, and saris. It features items like the Ilkal saris, Navalgund durries, and patteda anchu, some of which were woven in the mid-20th century.
Lavina Baldota, Mayank Mansingh Kaul, and Nupur Saxena spent two years researching Karnataka's weaving traditions and two more years conceptualising the exhibition. Baldota said the exhibition was designed to flow through different textile traditions like the Tungabhadra river, which is known by the ancient name Pampa.
The display includes a 10-foot embroidered textile from the 18th century depicting scenes from the Ramayana. This piece, which features Kasuti or Lambani embroidery, is being exhibited outside the National Museum in Delhi for the first time.
Other featured items include a black kambli woven by B T Tippeswami and a silk scarf titled 'Colour Masala' designed by N S Harsha for Hermes, Paris. The exhibition also highlights the history of the Manikyavelu Mansion, where the NGMA is located, and its connection to Karnataka silk exports during World War II.