ACCA is pleased to have been invited to lead the in-office global art program for Atlassian Wonderspace. A series designed to champion local creatives, giving them a platform to push the boundaries of innovation within their work through immersive and thought-provoking installations.
Hinged by Fabric is a collaboration between Anitha N. Reddy, a community-based art practitioner, curator, and researcher from Bangalore, Karnataka, and the Siddi (African- Indian) women quilters from the rural regions of Uttara Kannada and Dharwad districts in Karnataka. With this project, the Siddi women quilters will weave memories into a community quilt using pre-loved clothing donated by Atlassian employees. The community quilt will serve as an archive of personal narratives created with the memories embedded in the textiles, becoming a sentimental place to reflect on the team’s collective aspirations.
Traditionally, the Siddi quilts represent a family’s private memories and are typically made from remnants of old saris, children’s clothes, sarongs, and petticoats, to be used as mattresses, blankets, and baby swaddles. However, Anitha N. has identified the work for the method and subject, form and function as distinctive works of textile art. Through various projects and exhibitions, including a recent survey at the V&A Museum in London, Anitha’s work with the Siddi women has given their spectacular cultural heritage greater visibility and helped to ensure the revival of their quilting tradition, which is not well documented in South India. The Siddi community has long been marginalised and mistreated, but Anitha’s work with them has brought the community greater independence and confidence. This project aims to bring greater attention to the Siddi women’s quilting skills and support their artistic practice to improve wellbeing and promote self-reliance.
Anitha reflects that “In each quilt, a running stitch governs the design. The quilt is not planned but ‘emerges’ as women make spontaneous choices in geometry and texture based on the material available.” While the patchwork and colour choices will be directed by the Siddi quilters, the community quilt will symbolise the collective efforts of Anitha N., the Siddi women, and Atlassians. This community quilt will stand as a poignant reminder of the power of a shared vision and the ability to create meaningful change through collaboration.
With special thanks to 1Shanthiroad Studio/Gallery for their invaluable mentorship and program coordination.