Delhi exhibition repositions kantha embroidery from ornament to structural experimentation

Threads that Bind: The Kantha Project opened in Delhi, presenting diverse approaches that transform this traditional embroidery technique. The exhibition reimagines kantha as a language of repair and renewal, shifting its perception from mere ornamentation to structural and experimental applications. Curated by Mayank Mansingh Kaul, the show features works by artists including Mithu Sen, Desmond Lazaro, and Anamika Haksar. Displayed at the India International Centre, the project explores how this craft can articulate contemporary concerns through material innovation. Kantha, historically practiced by women in Bengal and Bangladesh, involves stitching together layers of discarded cloth. The exhibition highlights how contemporary practitioners are expanding its formal possibilities while honoring its cultural roots. Works range from large-scale installations to intimate pieces, demonstrating the medium's versatility. The project aims to challenge conventional hierarchies between craft and fine art, positioning kantha as a vital artistic language. By focusing on repair and renewal, the exhibition connects traditional techniques with urgent ecological and social themes. This gathering of diverse artistic voices creates a dialogue about material sustainability and cultural continuity.