The Whitworth gallery in Manchester is ablaze with creativity as it hosts 'Entangled and Woven', a spectacular exhibition that weaves together the rich textile traditions of Korea and India. This isn't just about art; it's about people, their skills, and the ancestral secrets passed down through generations of craftspeople. The scale is breathtaking – eight artists and collectives from both countries came together to create brand-new pieces that blend diverse techniques and traditions in a way that defies geographical and cultural boundaries.
This exhibition stands out for its genuine cultural exchange. Research trips to each other's countries directly influenced the creation of stunning works, from airy fabrics to weighty indigo pieces. These masterpieces offer a dynamic visual and tactile experience for visitors, transporting them to a world where artistic traditions know no borders. You can almost feel the collective energy that went into crafting these incredible pieces.
Manchester's own history as a centre for textile production is woven seamlessly throughout the exhibition. The Whitworth, home to around 20,000 textiles from across the globe, has strategically incorporated historic Indian and Korean works, some dating back to the 18th century. These older pieces serve as crucial historical reference points, offering context and educating viewers on traditional techniques – a vital part of the narrative.
Among the standout contemporary works is Jounghye Yoo's 'Gilded Veil: A Mysterious Curtain Lightly Draped in Gold' in the first gallery. This striking installation features a tunnel of fabric sheets, transitioning from indigo to red and culminating in a burst of gold, inspired by the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. Collaborating with Dr Ismail Mohammad Khatri, a master of ajrakh block printing from Gujarat, and his son, Juned Ismail, Yoo's piece seamlessly merges ajrakh motifs with Korean embroidery and combines Indian cotton with Korean silk, creating a truly hybrid artistic expression.
Further into the exhibition, the theme of artistic connection continues. The second gallery features works by Somi Ko, Young In Hong, and the fashion brand Péro. Somi Ko's 'People of One, Moment' utilises traditional Indian mirror work on Indian cotton, creating a captivating effect where viewers' reflections become part of the art. Young In Hong's 'Sacred Empires' integrates similar mirror work into ornate flags, produced in collaboration with Kala Raksha, an artisan collective in Kutch, where small reflective mirrors are believed to ward off evil spirits and mediate divine presence in Indian folk belief.