Women from urban and rural areas of the state who are survivors of violence have created a tapestry that brings out their voices aspirations and expectations of a violence-free world.
The 41ft-long and 8ft-high tapestry that contains the work of 354 women through painting, embroidery and words is on display at an exhibition titled “Weaving Dreams — Women Imagine a Violence-free World”, organised by Swayam and The Indian Museum.
Swayam is an organisation that works for women’s rights.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Astrid Wege, director, Goethe Institute/ Max Mueller Bhavan, on Saturday at the Pre and Proto History Hall of Indian Museum.
“It is wonderful that we are using this historical space for this tapestry... I would congratulate all the women who brought their vision to the public realm. I wish many people see it and acknowledge the feelings of women,” said Wege.
What many of the survivors want is something as basic as “a happy home” or “the ability to fly” and not be confined within the four walls, indicative of how many of them had been unsafe in their own homes or forced to forego their dreams.
The fight for many of the women is not alone in their marital homes but also in homes where they were born and grew up, Kapoor shared.
A 35-year-old woman drew herself reading under the open sky. It was her education that helped her to raise her voice which her own family — parents and brother — threatened to take away from her.
“On multiple occasions while I was in school and college, they tried to marry me off. I resisted and was able to complete masters,” she said.
She is still living in the same home and fighting for her rights. It took her many years to accept the fact that it was her own family that has been against her “for being born a girl.”
The tapestry was a result of six interactive workshops that Swayam conducted with the women from urban and rural areas. Their work on small pieces of fabric was put together by artist and Swayam board chair Jael Silliman and vocational arts trainer Sarita Mandana.
“Art is a simple and powerful medium to raise consciousness, spark conversation, challenge inequalities and shape the way we think about society, as it touches people’s heart and mind... The tapestry invites the visitors to look inwards and looks to change thoughts, attitudes and behaviour that discriminate against women,” said Anuradha Kapoor, director and founder of Swayam.
Indian Museum librarian Ananya Das said: “As a woman we are in charge of protecting our identity as many people try to bring us down. We should not lose our willpower,” said
The exhibition will continue till April 30 from 10am to 5pm daily except Mondays.
