Lurking behind the old burnt-orange brick at the Roski Studios Building (IFT), The Slow Thread exhibition opened its door, welcoming around 50 attendees from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on January 30 to mingle and learn about batik painting and block printing, a delicate yet sustainable Indian art form.
The inspiration was sparked after Vriddhi Toolsidass, a junior studying art and curator of the exhibition, went on a trip to India and became fascinated with the process of block printing and the mechanics of using natural techniques in art making.
“We always search for new things and new ideas, but sometimes going back to your culture and your roots can really help you and guide you. So without trying to look at the future, just look back, reflect, and then you can work on the future,” Toolsidass said in describing the open reception.
The exhibition featured five batik paintings hanging on the wall, two block prints, and one big video projector. Alongside were 3 small projectors that shared the process of how the paintings are being made in India.
Toolsidass orchestrated a workshop that allowed participants to experience creating an art piece of their own using a small block print. Attendees used the organic paint on a white cloth laid on a bench.
Zaina Dabbous, a junior studying communication, participated in the workshop as an instructor.
“It’s just a little interactive exercise where people can use the stamps that she made, she designed herself, and then use the paints that are organic and made out of natural material. And then they get to just snap in and make this really beautiful interactive piece,” said Dabbous.
The exhibition is on view from January 31 to February 11, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by appointment.
“Vriddhi worked so hard on this exhibit. She’s been working on it for months, and I think it’s so beautiful to see the crossover of her culture and her artwork come together to make such a full space,” said attendee Tawana Ngorima, a junior studying business administration.
Toolsidass not only wanted to share part of her culture, but she was intrigued to discover how her traditions “would fit in the context of LA,” and analyzing how customs travel.
In a world of mass production, these textiles quietly champion meaningful artistry, inviting viewers to reflect on their impact as they meet modern landscapes like Los Angeles, enriching art, fashion and environmental consciousness.
Research was the first and most important step in creating the exhibit. Toolsidass became more familiar with the artisans and learned about the communities that produce sustainable art.
“I was able to get a better sense of, how their lifestyle is and what their work means. And from that point, I started developing my own work, like how I was inspired by all these patents, what being sustainable means in this generation, and how I can look at these artisans and take inspiration from them,” said Toolsidass
Another exhibition was taking place at the same time for audience members to visit, titled, “Hold it Tightly, Let go Lightly.”
This exhibition explored the ways that humans use objects to remember and hold memories, and how those objects take on much more meaning, beyond what they’re even capable of.
While these objects, such as family heirlooms, might get destroyed or lost – the memories and sentiment attached to the object never die. That joy lives on forever.
“This title actually comes from my sister comforting me and telling me to hold on tightly, let go lightly about this necklace that I lost from my grandma. While it was important to me, it wasn’t my grandma, and I still love my grandma, and she’s still with me, even though the necklace isn’t with me anymore,” said Shea Noland, a senior studying Fine Arts and artist of Hold it Tightly, Let go Lightly.