la fontaine centre of contemporary art will travel to India with the opening of the exhibition “Colors of India”, textiles and objet d’art, today.
The origins of Indian textiles are hidden in the mists of pre-history. Exactly how ancient the textile tradition is remains a matter for speculation. What is sure, however, is that by the time of the Indus Valley civilisation – about the 3rd of millennium BC – cotton spinning and weaving was already an accomplishment. Each of India's 28 states has its own distinct designs, its own textile language”, it is as complex as the complexity of Indian people. A beautiful pashmina shawl from Kashmir with intricate needlework of the scarf echoes the flowery speech and complexity of the Kashmir people”, “fabrics from Gujarat, in western Indian, with bold, high-contrast red – and – black patterns are like the bold and passionate Gujaratis themselves. The antique collection belongs to Naved Saidi from India. It has been in his possession in the Gulf area for a long time. Mr Saidi decided that it is time to exhibit them in la fontaine for visitors to get a glimpse into the Moghul India and beyond. At the opening night, la fontaine will also open a gallery boutique containing a beautiful collection of Kashmir shawls from Andraab. A concept started by twin brothers, Mubashir and Muzakir. Andraab stands committed to reviving some of the art forms from different regions through the medium of hand embroidery which remains their forte. The collection includes one-of-a-kind shawls, wall hangings and bed spreads.