Inside Cincinnati Art Museum's 'The Fabric of India' Exhibition

Like the process of creating textiles itself, Cincinnati Art Museum’s The Fabric of India exhibition weaves intricate threads that tell the story of a country steeped in rich history, culture and tradition. And perhaps India’s tale is best recounted through the art of creating cloth, a symbol not only of the past, but also of modern possibilities. In part, it was that narrative underscoring the sheer beauty of many Indian fabrics that inspired Cynthia Amnéus — the museum’s curator of fashion arts and textiles — to bring the exhibit, originally organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, to Cincinnati. For the full feature, click here. The Fabric of India runs through Jan. 6, 2019 at the Cincinnati Art Museum. More information on special exhibition prices can be found at cincinnatiartmuseum.org.
Photos by Hailey Bollinger
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"The Fabric of India" exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum
Hailey Bollinger
"The Fabric of India" exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum
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A  room hanging, or “bithiya,” from the early 20th century found on the streets of New York City in 1994
Hailey Bollinger
A room hanging, or “bithiya,” from the early 20th century found on the streets of New York City in 1994
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Contemporary saris showcase how Indian designers bring tradition into modern fashion
Hailey Bollinger
Contemporary saris showcase how Indian designers bring tradition into modern fashion
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High-end, modern fashion clothing pieces
Hailey Bollinger
High-end, modern fashion clothing pieces
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Contemporary Indian clothing
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Contemporary Indian clothing
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Wedding ensembles designed by Sabyasachi Mukhergee in 2014
Hailey Bollinger
Wedding ensembles designed by Sabyasachi Mukhergee in 2014
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(Left to right) Blouse and salwar designed by Asha Sarabhai for Raag Ahmedabad, Gujarat; Coat by Brigitte Singh, 2014
Hailey Bollinger
(Left to right) Blouse and salwar designed by Asha Sarabhai for Raag Ahmedabad, Gujarat; Coat by Brigitte Singh, 2014
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Examples of clothing made from khadi cloth, a symbol of the Indian independence movement
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Examples of clothing made from khadi cloth, a symbol of the Indian independence movement
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Handwoven head scarves dyed with various techniques
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Handwoven head scarves dyed with various techniques
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Inside Cincinnati Art Museum's 'The Fabric of India' Exhibition
Hailey Bollinger
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Wall hangings
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Wall hangings
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Cotton wall hanging with silk thread and clothing pieces made for export to Europe between the 1700-1800s
Hailey Bollinger
Cotton wall hanging with silk thread and clothing pieces made for export to Europe between the 1700-1800s
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Group of mulberry-silk skeins
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Group of mulberry-silk skeins
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Group of woven silks
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Group of woven silks
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Silk worm cocoons
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Silk worm cocoons
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Turmeric used in dying
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Turmeric used in dying
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Women's dress from the early 20th century, made of wool and tie-dyed
Hailey Bollinger
Women's dress from the early 20th century, made of wool and tie-dyed
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This section depicts varying dying processes
Hailey Bollinger
This section depicts varying dying processes
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Detail of sari made of silk and dyed yellow with turmeric
Hailey Bollinger
Detail of sari made of silk and dyed yellow with turmeric
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Tie-dyed turban cloth from Delhi circa 1855.
Hailey Bollinger
Tie-dyed turban cloth from Delhi circa 1855.
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