Trees have been textile designer Gayatri Singh’s muse for over two decades. And in her latest art exhibition “Rangtaana” too, she has found ways to house her muse in other people’s homes.
Being a textile designer, she has used silk, cotton and other fabrics as her canvas, and leatherite, net and various other fabrics to create trees, birds and animals on the canvas.
The sheen of silk and the opacity of cotton adds an interesting dimension to the works. When light falls on her canvas, the trees throw beautiful shadows and patterns that create an extremely soothing ambience.
She has even incorporated phrases like “save me” and “ mujhe bachao ” in one of her works that has birds chirping on a tree.
The artworks are very practical, as they can be used not just as hangings on a wall but as screens to divide rooms, on coffee tables, lamps and even to make wall collages.
She says trees do not ask for anything but give us so much in return, and we humans disrespect them. She asks the viewer to picture Delhi without trees, and all the birds and animals that depend on the trees — a city without shade and protection of its green cover.
Gayatri says they are examples of silence, stateliness, stability, beauty, generosity, kindness, rhythm and music.
The intertwining branches of trees that are close to each other can teach humans a thing or two about bonding while living in close proximity, she says.
Her creations are her way of appealing to the people to respect trees and maintain the balance of the planet.
The exhibition is on at the Visual Arts Gallery of India Habitat Centre till March 19.
