"Gandhi tessitore della pace" is a documentary exhibition dedicated to weaving as a symbol of the moral philosophy of the Mahatma, set up in itinerant form in the museum tour itinerary from 15 October 2016 to 12 March 2017.
Created by Simonetta Casci (Professor of History of India at the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Pavia) the exhibition focuses on the figure of Gandhi proposing a series of photographs of the era, reproductions of documents and textiles Khadi and Malkha.
The exhibition itinerary is divided into various chapters that address the significance assumed over the years by the khadi, a symbolic fabric of Gandhi's struggle against colonialism, in parallel with the evolution of his political project; a reflection on the theme of weaving understood not only as a craft, but as a practice, as an exercise in simplicity and discipline, affirmation of truth and also a political project of emancipation and growth. To enrich the chronological path are exhibited Khadi and Malkha fabrics made with cotton from organic farmers, yarns and fabrics by hand and dyed with vegetable colors in the Gandhigram community in Tamil Nadu and in the Malkha chain in Andrha Paradesh.
We would like to thank Alessandra L'Abate, a Florentine and voluntary weaver friend who is active in the textile ethical supply chain in India and promotes in Italy the Khadi and Malkha fabrics, for the fabric granting and the invaluable help. According to the Gandhian vision, three basic concepts are expressed through the spinning and weaving of white khadi cotton: patriotism understood both as a struggle against British colonialism and as an emancipation of the individual, democracy with access to the public sphere of poorer, the promotion of village development.
The rigor of poverty preached by Gandhi, who still inspires those who practice weaving and spinning the khadi by hand, does not exclude elegance. The contemporary production, predominantly white, is varied and refined: in some cases the fabrics are presented as rarefied veils of exquisite workmanship. The exhibition has arrived in Stia after being hosted in various parts of Italy: University of Pavia, Spazio Ratti di Como (2012), Museum of Natural History of Calci (2014), Fraternita dei Laici of Arezzo (2015).
Gandhi weaver of peace is part of the cycle of events Yesterday and today characters in weaving and was set up thanks to the collaboration of the Tramandiamo Laboratory. Show Period 15 October 2016 - 26 February 2017
Gallery
