DRAVIDAM, Bangalore, in collaboration with curator Jaya Mani, presents “Voyages: The Ancient Maritime Silk Route,” an exhibition featuring artists Gunjan Jain and Suresh Muthukulam. This showcase explores the historical maritime connections between coastal South India and Southeast Asia, inspired by trade routes that flourished from the 3rd to the 15th century CE. These exchanges were pivotal, influencing textiles, spices, art, and culture across civilizations.
The exhibition highlights the roles of the Pallava dynasty and the Chola Empire in fostering these maritime links, particularly the Cholas, who helped spread Hinduism and Buddhism throughout Southeast Asia. This cultural interaction is reflected in the shared artistic traditions of Kerala and Odisha, showcasing motifs and techniques that transcend borders.
Gunjan Jain, a textile artist known for her work with Odisha’s Ikat weaving, collaborates with Suresh Muthukulam, a renowned mural artist from Kerala. Their partnership began in Kerala in 2022, where they merged mural art with textile weaving, navigating challenges such as language barriers and creative differences. The result is a collection of works that vividly depict mythical sea creatures and cultural exchanges, encapsulating the essence of their artistic journey.
