‘Chiswick Without Borders’ is a celebration of our local neighbourhood and its proud international character through embroidering maps. It is a participatory art project that invites you to stitch your connections to the world with a symbolic migratory bird – a swallow and its flight linking the map of Chiswick to places around the world.
Connect your house to a place where your family comes from, or where you loved ones are or simply a place which is dear to your heart. In the current times of insular voices and inward-looking gazes this project invites everyone to celebrate our openness and our connections through the convivial act of stitch.
The project forms part of the launch of the Chiswick Timeline, Sunday 28th January, 12.30-3pm. It is conceived by textile artist Ekta Kaul, in association with Abundance London. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.
Chiswick without Borders exhibition
The Chiswick without Borders team will work on the material after the event on 28th January, and the resulting work will be displayed at the London Auctions gallery in the spring. If you would like to be involved in the embroidery, come to London Auctions on 20th January, 11-1.30pm, or get in touch here: karen@abundancelondon.com.
About the artist
Ekta Kaul is an award winning textile artist and designer. Her textiles are imbued with character, they speak of exquisite hand craftsmanship, simplicity and timeless design. Ekta’s bespoke embroidered StoryMaps seek to tell stories through maps. Textured silks, fine wools and soft cashmeres are embroidered, hand-dyed and printed in simple graphic compositions using time-honoured methods at the studio.
Ekta’s creative voice is rooted in the plural – a unique assimilation of her Indian heritage and British training. She initially studied at India’s premier design school the National Institute of Design, founded on Charles and Ray Eames manifesto and Bauhaus principles. Following this, she won the Charles Wallace and British Council scholarships to pursue MA Textiles in the UK. Since setting up her studio practice in 2008, she has gained the following of a discerning audience. Her work is seen at some of the most respected galleries and stores in the UK and the US including The New Craftsmen, Contemporary Applied Arts, Designers Guild, Ruthin Craft Centre, Museum of Art and Design NYC among others. She has received awards from the Crafts Council and the Arts Council, England & was nominated for the Arts Foundation Fellowship in 2010. Ekta grew up in India and has lived in Chiswick for the last eight years. She works from her studio at Cockpit Arts, Bloomsbury.