Srinagar: Centuries after the mystic verses of Lal Ded first resonated through Kashmir’s spiritual and literary landscape, her voice has found a new medium of expression on hand-spun, hand-woven Pashmina. An ongoing exhibition titled ‘Vakhs of Silence’, by visual artist Masood Hussain, merges poetry, spirituality, and traditional craftsmanship to reimagine the profound teachings of the 14th-century poetess.
‘Vakhs of Silence’ Exhibition Blends Poetry and Craftsmanship
The exhibition, currently on display in Srinagar, showcases approximately 20 of Lal Ded’s mystical verses, known as ‘Vakhs’. These verses, which explore themes of spirituality, self-realisation, and the search for truth, have been transformed into visual compositions painted directly onto delicate Pashmina shawls. This unique artistic endeavour bridges the worlds of art, literature, and the ancient craft of Pashmina weaving, two enduring facets of Kashmir’s cultural identity.
Masood Hussain, whose artistic practice has often explored themes of Kashmir’s conflict and daily life, has ventured into a new artistic territory by painting on Pashmina. He noted that the artist’s previous collaborations, particularly with Irish poet Gabriel Rosenstock, shifted his creative focus towards exploring themes of spirituality and cultural heritage. The artist selected verses that resonated with him, conceiving and painting them onto the shawls over a period of two years.
Pashmina Weaving: A Canvas Rooted in Kashmiri Tradition
The choice of Pashmina as a canvas was a deliberate one, drawing a parallel between the material’s textures and threads with Lal Ded’s recurring imagery of thread, wool, and weaving in her poetry. The traditional art of Pashmina weaving itself is deeply intertwined with Kashmir’s history and cultural identity. Originating in the 15th century, the craft involves meticulous hand-spinning and weaving processes, passed down through generations of artisans. The fine wool is sourced from the undercoat of the Changthangi goat, native to the Ladakh region.
The Vakhs of Lal Ded, a revered mystic poetess, are considered foundational to Kashmiri literature and spiritual thought. Her verses, often characterized by their simplicity and profound insights, have transcended religious divides, appealing to both Hindu and Muslim traditions. Lal Ded’s philosophy emphasizes self-realization, direct experience of the divine, and a critique of ritualistic practices, advocating for a more personal connection to the spiritual realm. Her work also championed interfaith unity and challenged societal norms.
For audiences unfamiliar with Lal Ded’s work, the exhibition provides an accessible entry point through English translations of the Vakhs by Autar Mot. These translations accompany the painted artworks, fostering a dialogue between the original poetry and its visual interpretation on the Pashmina canvas. The exhibition ‘Vakhs of Silence’ aims to highlight the enduring relevance of Lal Ded’s teachings and the rich artistic heritage of Kashmir, presenting a unique fusion of spiritual wisdom and traditional craftsmanship.
The Chenab Times News Desk