The Flowers We Grew
Originally from Mumbai, Rithika Merchant gathers stories of her ancestors – on her maternal side – from the Kerala region. “The seeds we plant in the past grow into the flowers of the present," she says, highlighting the continuous narratives passed on down the years through a powerful line of matriarchs.
Drawing on multiple literary and mythological sources, she crafts a storyline rooted in past narratives, while paving the way for a positive future, celebrating female force, energy and joy.
For this unique installation specially conceived for the show, Karishma Swali, the master artisans of Chanakya and the graduate women students of the Chanakya School of Craft interpreted her artworks in a great range of embroidery stitches, colors and materials.
© Adrien Dirand
A testament to interdisciplinary artistry, the transformation of Rithika Merchant's universe into a monumental creation combines savoir-faire of excellence, virtuoso craftsmanship and dreamlike enchantment in a striking visual experience.
The Making-Of
© Melinda Triana