Anvaya: The Living Legacy of Indian Art & Design to Open at Amethyst, Chennai

An exhibition titled Anvaya: The Living Legacy of Indian Art & Design will be held in Chennai from 28th to 30th April 2026 at The Folly, Amethyst. Organised by the Aabharnam Foundation, the three-day showcase brings together master artisans and historic craft traditions, presenting a curated selection of textiles, artworks, and design practices rooted in India’s cultural heritage. 

A Showcase Rooted in Lineage

The exhibition centres on the idea of lineage, presenting works created by artisans who continue long-standing family traditions. Featuring 18 artisans from across India, the showcase includes both museum-quality pieces and contemporary interpretations. It positions craft as a living, evolving cultural practice rather than a static historical form. 

Curatorial Vision

Curated by Neha Verma, a third-generation textile revivalist, Anvaya explores how traditional crafts remain relevant today. Verma’s curatorial approach highlights the continuity of Indian art forms while addressing contemporary concerns about sustainability, authenticity, and preservation of handmade traditions. 

Craft Traditions on Display

The exhibition brings together a wide range of regional art forms and textile practices, including:

• Pattachitra painting from Odisha
• Pichwai painting from Rajasthan
• Kalamkari textile art from Andhra Pradesh
• Kantha embroidery from West Bengal
• Banarasi and Chanderi weaves
• Patola, Ikat, and Kala cotton textiles

These works collectively explore mythology, storytelling, and craftsmanship through diverse regional languages of art. 

Artisans and Narratives

Participating artisans include practitioners such as Apindra Swain (Pattachitra), Naveen Soni (Pichwai), Prashad Acharya (Kantha embroidery), and Arshad Kafil (wood and brass craft). Their works reflect themes drawn from mythology, nature, and everyday life, demonstrating both technical skill and cultural continuity. 

Venue and Visitor Information

The event is designed as an intimate showcase for collectors, art enthusiasts, and the general public, offering direct engagement with artisans and their work. 

About the Organiser

The Aabharnam Foundation is a New Delhi-based organisation with a legacy spanning over 75 years in India’s textile ecosystem. It focuses on supporting artisans, particularly women-led weaving communities in Banaras and Chanderi, through sustained cultural and economic initiatives. 

Highlights of the Exhibition

• 18 master artisans from across India
• Museum-quality textiles and artworks
• Focus on mythology and storytelling traditions
• Contemporary interpretations of heritage crafts
• Direct interaction with artisans and makers

Takeaway

Anvaya presents Indian craft not as a relic of the past but as a continuing cultural practice shaped by generations of artisans. By bringing together diverse traditions under one roof, the exhibition offers insight into the resilience and relevance of handmade art. It also creates a space for dialogue between tradition and contemporary audiences, reinforcing the importance of preserving cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world.