Description:

Echoes of the Paisley, 2023

Installation

Throughout the space, modern iterations of the Paisley pattern are repeated in the objects within the cabinets and onto the walls. I have used the Paisley symbol and the history attached to the design to remember and acknowledge the past.

The Paisley pattern has a ‘hidden but powerful association with the British Empire’, Paisley shawls were brought to Britain through the ‘imports from the East India Company’ (Choudhury, n.d.) and became popular throughout Europe and was later mass produced and appropriated.

The traditional Kashmir Paisley shawl could ‘no longer compete’ with mass production in Europe leading to the ‘collapse of the industry’ in Kashmir, as a result ‘weavers were condemned to destitution and starvation’ (Gillow & Bernard, 2005, p.117).

Room 84 address this history through the simplification of the shape. The decadent and colourful design has been re-constructed to a basic shape nearly unrecognisable to viewers.

Size:

NA

Medium(s):

MDF, screw eyes, elastic thread, nails

Price:

NFS