Fabric is as old as we are – some of the first and oldest artifacts found at ancient archeological sites were spindles and weaving materials. Cloth holds tradition, and this is the driving force behind Crafting Topographies, which features hand-embroidered wall art from Brinda Dudhat of Morii Design. This exhibition, which started in September at Salon Design and curated by designer Suchi Reddy, celebrates traditional Indian weaving techniques and it’s stewardship by women, centered in the solidity of an unwavering relationship with its artisans.
These intricate pieces, all informed by history, are all beautiful examples of traditional fiber arts including dyeing, weaving, stitching, and embroidery to produce these topographies, telling their stories as they go. This meditative work, which is largely helmed by women, is the backbone of how our society was formed. Fabric tells rich history, and always has a storied provenance. These pieces sit in a place of honor at Salon Design, finally recognized for their social and geographic worldbuilding.
“Morii Design represents a transformative approach to Indian craftsmanship, bringing to light the extraordinary depth and beauty of traditional embroidery,” noted the exhibition’s curator, Suchi Reddy. “The studio’s commitment to preserving and showcasing age-old techniques – especially those rooted in the wisdom and artistry of Indian women – creates a powerful dialogue between past and present. This exhibition is not just about textiles; it’s about the stories, skills, and soul embedded within every thread, celebrating and honoring the essence of Indian craftsmanship through a contemporary lens.”
Crafting Topographies goes beyond wall art, to expose the underbelly of work that women have been silently completing for centuries. In stitching the fabric, artisan’s hands move constantly over the surface, ensuring each part of the cloth is felt multiple, if not hundreds of times. This inherently infuses the fibers with the energy of where it was made, because of the nature of embroidery. Because it is a slow, meditative process, the piece has no choice but to be brought to life with care, love, and attention.
Brinda Dudhat’s Morii Design is all about collaboration, sustainability, and community present in every step of the design process. Working alongside more than 80 artisans from across India, ethical practices and local sourcing methods are at the forefront of the ethos behind Morii. The studio pays artisans fair, living wages for their design skill and production, and works tirelessly to ensure the pieces they create are respectful and authentic to their traditional techniques.
Suchi Reddy is a designer focused on the delicate balance between human and environment. She delves into neuroaesthetics, which is the study of how the brain responds to the design of our surroundings. The guiding principle of her studio, Reddymade, is “form follows feeling” – this serves to illustrate the profound connection we have between our bodies and our environment.
Salon Design is a contemporary art gallery based in New York City’s Tribeca.
Framing works in unique, salon-style vignettes adds to the elegance of the exhibition, allowing the viewer to enjoy the pieces in a more casual, familiar way. Walking along as if in someone’s brownstone, yet with the elevated stature of the most dazzling contemporary work the world has to offer. Salon Design’s collection, founded by designer and art advisor Amanda Pratt, is drawn to works that are intuitively collectible, resonant, and beautiful.
From left to right: Brinda Dudhat and Suchi Reddy
For more on Suchi Reddy, visit her website here. For more on Morii Design and Crafting Topographies, please click here.
Exhibition photography by Black & Steil. Suchi Reddy’s portrait was taken by Chloe Horseman.
