Connecting For India (CFI), a platform dedicated to facilitating connections between Indian artisans and the global community, links traditions with contemporary horizons through collaborative projects. Founded by SALONI, the platform aims to bridge cultural gaps and foster new dialogues.

The exhibition, Rehnuma: The Guiding Star, was the culmination of a collaboration between master artisans of Bhuj and Connecting for India, held in New York City's Chelsea gallery district. The exhibition bridged gaps in time, space, and perspectives. The unique textiles handcrafted by the graduates of Somaiya Kala Vidya, a design school co-founded by Judy Frater responded to the theme Rehnuma, amplifying star motifs within their Ajrakh tradition. Each artisan, while using a shared repertoire, brought a unique interpretation to the theme.

Ajrakh is a centuries-old hand-printed textile tradition from the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. Creating Ajrakh requires skill in carving fine symmetrical wood blocks and in the registration of multiple block impressions. At least three perfectly matched blocks are used to create each multi-coloured pattern. Ajrakh also requires knowledge of the chemistry of complex resist, mordant, and natural dye substances, and expert dyeing. The process is slow—the slower the work, the better the quality. It’s this attention to detail and patience that makes Ajrakh unique.

The textiles in the exhibition were engineered in complex patterns by the master artisans. They hand-placed blocks in new geometric and asymmetrical compositions, made patterns by masking with paper, and developed new colour schemes. They took the time to pivot from producing merchandise to creating art.

Judy Frater, a pioneer in design education for traditional artisans, discussed craft traditions, creative agency restoration through education, and personal expressions in Ajrakh textiles. She emphasised the human connection in handmade crafts, highlighting the value of individual creativity.

Acquiring work from a master artisan fosters a lasting connection. As artisans say, “When the textile slowly wears away, we remember the person who made it.” The connection with the artisan lingers, long after the textile has become a part of daily life.

 Friends of the brand came together in appreciation for the intertwining threads of creativity to celebrate the exhibition. Life is all the more beautiful when artisans guide us to these connections through their creations. The evening celebrated India's artistry and cultural richness, bringing together those who value craftsmanship. Surrounded by beautiful textiles, guests connected with Saloni Lodha’s vision and enjoyed the stories woven through tradition and innovation.