The Sinolink Gallery in St Clements usually provides a platform for Chinese art, but its walls are decorated at present with vibrant works inspired by India. The pictures are the work of the talented local artists Wendy Gilmour and Anna Sandham who were struck by the richness and beauty of women weavers’ costumes when visiting Madhya Pradesh in 2008.
They were also struck by the women’s sense of purpose, which owes much to the Rehwa Co-operative Society formed by Richard Holkar. He is a descendant of Ahilyabal Holkar, the queen who brought peace to her domain 200 years ago. Under her patronage weavers prospered and Maheshwar sari cloths became famous. Richard Holkar has revived the handloom industry she instigated. The artists were so impressed with all they saw, they decided to mount an exhibition of their work in aid of the Rehwa Society School.
While Wendy’s pastel work Guests at a Wedding pays homage to the glorious silk saris woven by the Rehwa society weavers, the colours and almost abstract patterns are reminiscent of a stained glass window. To have achieved such luminosity when working in pastels is remarkable.
Her oil House on the Backwaters of Kerala, takes us on a magical journey along a river, past palm trees whose reflections pattern its still waters. A white house in the far distance invites the viewer to approach. It, and other similar works, are quite different from Wendy’s pastel pictures.
But my favourite is Tao, a watercolour by Anna (above) which captures the regal stance of a Burmese cat — or is it Siamese? Difficult to tell, but regardless of its breed, like those proud independent weavers these artists have depicted, Tao has a dignity that justifies its place in this fine exhibition (till October 16).
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