Samagam or Confluence is the coming together of two fabric art forms, two traditions and two different types of handblock printing techniques as one with the embroidery acting as a catalyst.
The word Samagam is often used to describe a coming together of different traditions and techniques in the arts, music, or spirituality. It symbolizes inclusiveness and diversity, where different elements come together to form a harmonious whole. This is the theme and concept behind designing the collection Samagam. We have joined or brought together Ajrakh and Batik fabric to create a confluence that is cemented by the use of simple hand embroidery techniques.
To give you a background on Ajrakh and Batik :
Ajrakh is the name of a block printing and resist dyeing technique that traces its origin to the Indus Valley civilization. The deep crimson red and indigo blue backgrounds of Ajrakh bearing symmetrical patterns with interspersed unprinted sparkling white motifs are a beauty to behold. Today this craft is practiced in Kutch region of Gujarat and some parts of Rajasthan. The use of natural dyes gives Ajrakh textiles their rich, vibrant hues that stand out and retain their lustre over time.
Batik is also a resist dyeing technique but the resist used here is wax. The process involves painting the fabric with melted wax, which acts as a barrier against the dyes used to color the fabric. The wax is then removed, revealing the original color of the fabric, and the process is repeated until the desired design is achieved. Batik is usually practiced in Kutch region of Gujarat, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh and some parts of Southern India.
Two different printing techniques symbolically represent the diversity we find around us and the hand embroidery symbolically represents the joining force of inclusiveness - coming together as a whole to create something unique and exquisite.
We worked with the theme that the embroidery had to be the center piece of this saree - the binding force that joins Ajrakh and Batik together. The colours used for the embroidery too had to pop/stand out, considering that we were working with a printed cloth as the base.
We used running stitch, buttonhole stitch and lazy daisy stitch to create a colorful montage for the saree. The embroidery had to be minimalistic to highlight the fabric that we were working on but at the same time appear as accentuating the texture and the complexity of the fabric used (Ajrakh + Batik).
The result was a beautiful fusion of colors and patterns, with the intricate Ajrakh prints forming the base, and the batik designs adding an additional layer of depth and texture. The hand embroidery added a final touch of elegance and delicacy, making the garment truly unique and one-of-a-kind.
The 'samagam' or confluence of these three art forms not only created a visually stunning serenade on the saree, but also symbolized the blending of different traditions and techniques. This was the reason why we designed this saree - the blending of different techniques and styles represented the idea of unity and harmony, and it all coming together as a harmonious whole (the saree).
This saree (and subsequent ones) is for women who value the importance of diversity in their lives - different backgrounds, thoughts, personalities, experiences, stories coming together (inclusiveness) as one (Samagam) - women who are progressive, confident and ready to take on the world.
'Samagam' is a gathering or meeting of women who celebrate their diversity and unity, and are open to learning and new ideas - a platform for women to come together, embrace their differences, and find common ground.
Comments