Fashionably Wrapped: The Influence of Kashmir Shawls
| Date | Nov 18, 2009 - May 30, 2010 |
|---|---|
| Curated by | Natalia Nekrassova |
Exhibition Overview
This exhibition traces the origins of the shawl from the noble courts of India, where finely woven pieces were made and worn for several centuries, to the high-fashion market in Europe, where shawls were desired for their unusual beauty and exquisite weaving. With 33 beautiful examples from the Textile Museum’s permanent collection, the exhibition will examine how in Europe the shawl became a symbol of femininity, integrating the romantic exoticism of the 18th century with the Victorian values of innocence and decency of the mid 19th century. With their warm colours and luxurious softness, the Kashmir shawl and its European imitations embody a cross cultural phenomenon with roots in India but identified with France and Great Britain.
Related Programs and Events
Curator's Tour and Shawl Wrapping Demo
Wednesday February 3, 6:30 pm
Join Natalia Nekrassova in the galleries for a tour of Fashionably Wrapped: the Influence of Kashmir Shawls. Arrive 30 minutes early or stay late for a demonstration of shawl and scarf wrapping techniques in the Museum Shop.
Free with admission
Lecture and Food Tasting: Nomads of the Himalaya with Allen Smutylo
Wednesday March 24, 6:30 pm
The Fashionably Wrapped exhibition features shawls from South Asia. Hear artist and author Allen Smutylo talk about the nine years he spent in South Asia among the Tibetan Buddhist nomad tribes of the Himalaya.
Smutylo describes the details of their extraordinary mountain life in his award-winning book Wild Places Wild Hearts - Nomads of the Himalaya. Enjoy his lecture after sampling delicious Tibetan finger foods. Book-signing to follow lecture.
Members $10, Non-members $12, Full-time students P-W-Y-C
Advance tickets may be purchased in person at the TMC's front desk. Please arrive early, seating is limited.
Two-Day Workshop: Hand Painted Accessories with Sharon Epstein
Saturday April 10 and Sunday April 11, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Create a one-of-a-kind shawl or wrap inspired by the exhibition Fashionably Wrapped: The Influence of Kashmir Shawls. Local artist Sharon Epstein will lead participants in the process of
polychromatic silk-screen printing to transfer intricate hand-painted patterns onto cloth. Co-presented with the Contemporary Textile Studio Co-op.
Members $120, Non-members $144, Full-time students $80. Materials $35.
Advance registration is required, class size is limited. To register, call 416-599-5321 x 2221.
Lecture: Russian Shawls with Natalia Nekrassova
Wednesday April 21, 6:30 pm
The design, patterning, colours, and weaving techniques of Russian shawls changed dramatically during the 19th and 20th centuries. Imported Kashmir shawls introduced the boteh pattern, known as paisley
in Europe and oriental cucumber in Russia, and French immigrants brought the influence of French fashion. Hear curator Natalia Nekrassova speak about these exquisite garments which are among the finest
artifacts in the collections of several international museums.
Free for TMC Members and Full-time students, Non-members $12.
Advance tickets may be purchased in person at the TMC's front desk. Please arrive early, seating is limited.
Curator's Tour
Wednesday May 5, 6:30 pm
Join Natalia Nekrassova in the galleries for a tour of Fashionably Wrapped: the Influence of Kashmir Shawls.
Free with admission.
Lecture: Mangoes on Fabric with Sartaj Kaur
Wednesday May 19, 6:30 pm
Sartaj Kaur will give a talk on the unique textile art of Kashmir and why it has always been a luxury item. She will discuss history, technique, style, the contemporary market, and how to identify an authentic
Kashmir shawl. Sartaj Kaur is the owner of and designer for Kinna Sohna, one of Toronto's leading boutiques of fine handcrafted textiles.
Free for TMC Members and Full-time students, Non-members $12.
Advance tickets may be purchased in person at the TMC's front desk. Please arrive early, seating is limited.
