What is ‘ Routes we take exhibition’ ?
“The Routes we Take: Sri Lanka’s Creative Green Map” is a project by EUNIC Sri Lanka and Good Life X. EUNIC – European Union National Institutes for Culture – is Europe’s network of national cultural institutes and organisations, with 36 members from all EU Member States and associate countries. EUNIC Sri Lanka – consisting of Alliance Française and the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Goethe-Institute, British Council, Swiss Embassy, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Embassy of Italy, with the support of the EU Delegation, adopts an integrated approach to building cultural relations and creative collaborations and supporting diversity.
Kagul and its project ‘ Fe’ showcases their debut exhibition in the year 2024 , been part of this exhibition project and mapped as an essential project working on rejuvenation , revitalization, reclaiming back traditional textile making process and cultural discourse.
“KAGUL is more than just a fashion label; it is a cultural reclamation project, preserving and evolving a vital part of Sri Lankan heritage. The artists are dedicated to reviving and reimagining the rich tapestry of Southern Sri Lankan textile traditions. Rooted in the ritualistic practices of “thovil” and “shanthikarma,” KAGUL seeks to illuminate the often-overlooked artistry and cultural significance embedded within these practices and aims to elevate the marginalized status of these traditional craftspeople. Through contemporary reinterpretation, the project seeks to decode the gendered and cultural identities encoded within these textiles, bringing them into a contemporary dialogue”. – Description from exhibition ‘ Routes we take’ .
Collection details and projects exhibited.
KAGUL invites viewers into a world of intricate artistry, ancient rituals, and cultural exploration. It is a space for contemplation, reflection, and transformation. This exhibit presents a captivating journey through the complexities of the human experience. Through a series of wearable art installations, the artists invite viewers to contemplate themes of identity, transformation, and the relationship between the self and the natural world.
Saudade Repertoire: Drawing inspiration from the haunting beauty of Lunuganga Gardens, the first collection by Chathuri Nisansala evokes a sense of longing and loss. The garments explore the contours of the mutant wilderness of the garden. Flora, fauna and overgrown canopies enveloping bodies of mystical presence.
Swayanjatha/Spontaneous Birth: Designed by Lawanga Jayasinghe this collection delves into the process of metamorphosis, exploring the shedding of old identities to embrace new possibilities. These wearable sculptures challenge traditional notions of the body, inviting viewers to question the boundaries between self and environment.
Sujatha (Pure): The concept of identity and the interplay between the physical and spiritual realms is explored through this collection by Kumuthu Ranasinghe. Through intricate designs and unconventional materials, the artists invite us to contemplate the origins of existence and the nature of being.
‘FE’ Project Workshops.
KAGUL”s team conducted one of our stitching workshops from the project ‘ Fe’ during the exhibition. KAGUL team have been conducting stitching and sharing textile making through conducting workshops. These small group workshops have allowed awareness and more accessibility in the learning process of the tradition talismanic embroidery making process.
During these workshops we explain the history , cultural identity and process of reviving KAGUL team continues to implement is been shared with the participants.
