Art meets craft at this quilt art exhibition in Chennai

Tina Katwal and Varsha Sundararajan Photo Credit: Sangita Rajan

At The Square Inch, a quilting studio in Chennai, various quilt art pieces are laid out depicting vibrant imagery — from soaring birds, lush tropical foliage to flowers. Each quilt art square is in shades of purple, yellow, red, blue and green, and tells a different story.

The quilt exhibition curated by Quilt India Foundation (QIF) is a theme-based competition hosted in the city annually. This year, with entries from 105 quilters around the world, the theme is Birds of Paradise. Each quilter has interpreted the theme in their own way.

“Every participant who registered was given a bundle of eight fabrics, and were asked to interpret the theme in their own ways. The only rule was that they had to use the fabric given to cover at least 50% of the surface area of the quilt, and that the dimensions had to be 20×20 inches,” says Varsha Sundararajan, co-founder of QIF , adding that some submissions had to be disqualified despite being beautiful because the rule was not followed.

Submissions to the competition
| Photo Credit:
Sangita Rajan

Each square of quit art uses various different techniques like cross stitch, applique work, confetti quilting, bead work, lace details and even painting on fabric.

Art is a form of self-expression, and craft is a skill that focusses on utility and function. At this intersection lies quilting. “We are focussing on promoting quilting as a form of art and not just a craft,” says Tina Katwal, co-founder of QIF, adding that at The Square Inch studio they teach quilting as well as take up commissioned work.

Apart from themed quilts, the exhibition will also display a range of quilt art pieces known as one-block wonders. “These are being shown in India for the first time, and is a unique concept. We take one printed fabric, cut it and rearrange them in various kaleidoscopic patterns,” says Varsha.

Quilting, Tina observes, is attracting not just middle-aged and senior participants, but also younger enthusiasts seeking a creative outlet and a break from screens. “It’s a mindful and meditative practice that more people are discovering as an artistic pursuit. This time, our youngest participant is in her early 20s and the oldest is above 80,” she says.

One block wonder quilts
| Photo Credit:
Sangita Rajan

This year, the judge will be Pat Archibald, a textile artist and tutor based in Edinburgh, Scotland and she will decide the top three entries, one honourable mention and one judge’s choice award.  The Square Inch, will also give a special award titled The Royal Inchworm, which will be chosen by Tina.

Birds of Paradise, an exhibition of theme-based quilts will be held from January 24 to 28 at Sri Sankara Hall, TTK Road. Inauguration is at 4pm on January 24. Entry is free.