Priya Ravish Mehra
Making the Invisible Visible
with Intekhab Ahmad and Zakir Hussain
“If there’s a hole in a’ your coats
I rede you tent it;”
R. Burns
As a freelance textile artist based in Dehli, Priya’s project focused on the ‘Rafoogari’ tradition of darning. Over five centuries old, this is a highly specialised skill that has evolved from mending the woollen Pashmina shawls of Kashmir. This expert craft is still practiced today by the Rafoogars of Najibabad, Priya's home town. Priya's project looked at making visible the invisibility of the Rafoogars, moving the social and historical context of their labour into the light.
In Scotland the linen boom of the 18th century gave rise to Huntly’s own unique textiles history. Together with two invited members of the Rafoogari community, Intekhab Ahmad and Zakir Hussain, Priya’s project worked in parallel with this indigenous tradition to highlight the hand skills needed then in today’s context, linking the past with the present. During Priya’s residency numerous new and traditional Scottish garments and textiles were brought in to the empy shop for invisible repair by Intekhab and Zakir. Demonstrations, workshops and events were also undertaken throughout October, reaching out to the local textile and craft community.
Final Event: 29 Oct 2011
For her final presentation Priya hosted a Craft Maker’s Tour of Huntly. This event showcased over 15 contemporary craft practitioners’ talents and skills, and was presented in various locations throughout Huntly. There was also a chance to take a guided walking tour of Huntly’s Textile Heritage. This tour was adapted for Deveron Arts by local textile historian, Joanneke Kruijsen-Boyd. The route was marked with interactive textile artworks and ended at the now closed Brander Museum where a shrine to the textile industry, created by Priya, had been installed. Later that evening local revellers were greeted by Diwali meets Halloween lanterns and celebrations.
To view some images from the project please click here.