Two new solo exhibitions of my work have just opened at the Cambridge Art Galleries in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
Outerwhere and Cotton Exchange collectively feature three new bodies of work that are the result of over seven years of practice. While each exhibition stands on its own, both shows relate to the broader themes related to cloth, self, and migration inherent in my work.
On view at Idea Exchange | Queen’s Square is Outerwhere in which I alter and adorn the inner linings of 12 winter coats. The winter coat is the first-acquired and single-most important item of clothing for newcomers when landing in cold climates. Presented within a circle, Outerwhere shares stories related to diasporic South Asian experiences and themes of migration, identity, historical trauma, resilience, and memory.
On view at Idea Exchange | Preston is Cotton Exchange These works use the concept of image reproduction or ‘copying’ to focus on and disrupt assumptions related to the labouring bodes involved in cloth and garment manufacturing. In Cotton Exchange, I translate into painting an Art Deco bas relief sculpture found on the exterior of the historic Cotton Exchange Building in Mumbai. In Articles of Clothing, I reverse the process of fast fashion and the news cycle by engaging in a slow, durational process of drawing the clothing of protesting garment workers. By looking at the colonial period and present-day garment industries together, this exhibition illustrates the exploitation at the heart of what we wear.
The shows are accompanied by a short text by Dr. Natasha Bissonauth (Ph. D., York University) available on-site at both locations.
Outerwhere
September 30 - December 17, 2023
on view at Cambridge Art Galleries, Idea Exchange | Queen’s Square
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Cotton Exchange
September 30 - November 26, 2023
on view at Cambridge Art Galleries, Idea Exchange | Preston*
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
*Please note construction on site, entrance is in the back of the building through the library
The drive between the two locations is 15 min. Google maps: Idea Exchange
The exhibitions are located in the town of Cambridge, about a 1.5 hour drive from Toronto. If you are making a day trip of your visit, please note that there are wonderful farmer’s markets in the area on Saturdays, strolls along the Grand River, and beautiful fall colours.