Reading between the lines, Hand-quilted fabric and threads on canvas, 45 x90 x 35 cm
The effect of economic liberalization is quite evident on the material culture not only in terms of changing material culture, but also in the shift to socialization of consumerism from the post- independence Indian identity, which has been closely linked to practices that are anti-consumerist. Such socialization includes the roles of highlighting consumption needs, associating rituals with consumption, introducing markers of distinction attached to the consumption of certain products, and breaking down existing barriers to consumption.
The work ‘Reading between the lines’ maps the transition in the material culture of much celebrated Indian middle class and how the consumerism changed the orientation of commodity from NEED to DESIRE. I used green upcycled quilted fabric to write NEED and flowing red threads to write DESIRE, which holds its symbolism to the environmental impact of overwhelming consumerism.
The work ‘Reading between the lines’ maps the transition in the material culture of much celebrated Indian middle class and how the consumerism changed the orientation of commodity from NEED to DESIRE. I used green upcycled quilted fabric to write NEED and flowing red threads to write DESIRE, which holds its symbolism to the environmental impact of overwhelming consumerism.