The crafting and use of Indian textiles is very close to our hearts and we are proud to support the publishing of photographer Briana Blakso’s work, Dance of the Weave.
The coffee table book brings together two inextricably entwined dimensions of Indian culture — the traditional craft of cloth making and the performing arts. The book features photographs of dance and martial arts performers, draped in the traditional textiles and was shot across fifteen states in India over the span of five years.
The photographs focus not on the bedecked form of the performing artist but on their stance. Animated by the rhythmic movements of the artist, each image captures the transformative and expressive nature of draped cloth — demure at one instance and dramatic in the next.
Since its launch, the book has been featured in both Indian and International media. Follow the links below to read what the media coverage has to say about the book.
Photo Essay: The Fabric of Indian Dance in the Wall Street Journal
Classical dance drapery, a closer look in Vogue India
Dance of the Weave in Tasveer Journal
Dance and textiles intertwine in International New York Times
In conversation with Briana Blasko on Youtube
The book, published by Penguin is available here
Cover image © Briana Blasko