Breaking Boundaries

'Breaking Boundaries - a clash in perception of a woman' is weaving project that explores the topic of weddings and their customary rules imposed on women at significant times in history. A bride’s dress, being the focal point of the celebration, symbolises the mould set by the society where a woman had to fit in. Through comparison between Indian and Victorian traditions that reveal the status of women, who were strictly disciplined and educated to become perfect housewives, the project highlights those who broke such boundaries.

The woven outcomes subvert the old idea of women being delicate and worthy of domestic confinement by incorporating laces and off cuts from white wedding dresses. The fabrics are twisted, plied, dyed and woven inspired by passementerie that sets the chords free beyond the selvedge, evoking the memories of the rebellious Suffragettes. The project is developed further by celebrating artist Bertha Morisot whose soft colours combined with wild and bold brush strokes suggests her way of expressing freedom on the canvas.

The final outcome takes shape as chokers that symbolise a profound connection with my own mother. The heirloom choker my mother gave me as a wedding gift carried a different meaning for me than it did for her. The woven chokers with twisted chords encapsulate a message of the broken mould that celebrates the stories of women who fought to bring the change and questioned the gender role set by the society.

         

Special thanks to:

Indie Bride for donating fabric offcuts. Portraits: Prasoon.J, Model Kia L, Profile Model Management