Curatorial Note

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramic objects by enhancing the cracks in the ceramic-ware with gold embellishment. Here the gold fissure or scar becomes a testament to a difficult journey, and the marks of wear add value to the object. We find reflections of this deeper philosophy of ‘not rejecting the imperfect in various other cultural traditions including Sufi. The practice of Bakhiya, suturing the garment by the Sufi Darvesh (mendicant) symbolizes the meditative activity of not letting things fall apart. Textile traditions of Kantha, Sujani, Rafoo come from a similar philosophy of repurposing rather than discarding. It is a metaphor for embracing flaws and imperfections present in all human existence, where the fragility of life itself, becomes its strength. Through the works of these artists, the exhibition explores the resilience and tenacity of the human spirit to survive against seemingly insurmountable odds. Serving as a subtle reminder to the viewer to embrace and appreciate all aspects of life and revisit our conception of beauty/desirability, not as the absence of imperfection but rather, by recognizing those very flaws as an inextricable part of what completes us – the fingerprints of life itself.

I would like to thank the participating artists for contributing works that bestowed new interpretations of the theme and raised the level of the show. I would especially like to thank Dr B N Goswamy whose erudite knowledge of poetry enabled a choice of appropriate couplets and verses to enhance the experience.

Tunty Chauhan

Threshold Art Gallery, New Delhi

C-221, Sarvodya Enclave

New Delhi- 110017