From Blouses to Belts

Portrait of Sivaganga Ammal, Del Tufo & Co, 1880s, Hand tinted silver gelatin print, PHY.12133.

What was the significance of belts in the 19th century? How did women fashion them with sarees? 

By asking questions about women’s clothing, from blouses to belts, this walkthrough introduces a range of surprising behind-the-scenes textiles and costumes that have had a lasting impact on the social and cultural landscape of India. Through their stories embedded in art, we look more closely at their emotional and ritualistic relevance; speculating on how individuals shape their identities, as well as the significance of decisions made to don certain clothing.

Hosted by Vaishnavi Kambadur, this walkthrough includes first-hand anecdotes and accounts of the power of art through costume. The walkthrough will delve into different examples and symbols within the exhibition, from jasmine flowers used to adorn the hair to national flag motifs woven into a skirt.

This event has been conceptualised as part of the programming around the VISIBLE/INVISIBLE: Representation of Women in Art through the MAP Collection exhibition.